Saving California’s White Abalone

California abalone harvest from Monterey, circa 1930. This pile of shells is the result of one morning’s cleaning operations. photo by R.S. Croker

Abalone have long played an important role in the cultural and ecological history of California. They were a favorite food and decoration for coastal Native American civilizations for thousands of years.

Creature Feature: Bat Ray

The bat ray is the only member of the eagle ray family to inhabit California’s coastal waters. It is found statewide along the open coast on flat rocky bottoms, in sand patches among rocks, and in kelp beds, but is more common in bays and sloughs. Adults tend to congregate

2016 Marine Region Year in Review and 2016 Marine Region By the Numbers Now Available!

We are pleased to announce that the 2016 Marine Region Year in Review and 2016 Marine Region – By the Numbers documents are now available for your reading pleasure. These documents highlight the

Fisheries Partnerships: Continuing the MLMA Master Plan Amendment Discussion Series

As we enter into the summer months, it is almost unbelievable that the first six months of 2017 are now behind us. Looking back, we are deeply appreciative of the stakeholders who have already taken time to participate in a number of discussions CDFW has hosted to share information about our process that is currently underway to amend the existing Marine Life Management Act (MLMA) Master Plan. Feedback received on topics such as a

Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Elkhorn Slough

 

A placid morning on Elkhorn Slough  CDFW photo by P. Serpa

California estuaries, with their tidal flats, coastal marsh, eelgrass and brackish water are special places where fresh water flows to meet the salty Pacific Ocean. Elkhorn Slough is a large, iconic estuary