Northern Abalone

Haliotis kamtschatkana

The threatened northern abalone is the only abalone found in British Columbia waters. It was once a prized decorative object, particularly for the aboriginals of the northwest coast. Although abalone fishing has been outlawed in British Columbia for several years, this species is making a slow comeback. Poaching and habitat loss are the main threats to the species' survival. The species can be identified by a row of three to six breathing holes which occurs along one edge of the shell.