Northern Abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana): report on the progress of recovery strategy and action plan implementation for the period 2013 to 2021

Official title: Report on the Progress of Recovery Strategy and Action Plan Implementation for the Northern Abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) in Canada for the Period 2013 to 2021

Preface

Reporting on the progress of recovery strategy and action plan implementation requires reporting on the collective efforts of the competent ministers, provincial and territorial governments, and all other parties involved in conducting activities that contribute to the species’ recovery. Recovery strategies identify broad strategies that will provide the best chance of ensuring the survival and recovery of species at risk. Some of the identified broad strategies are sequential to the progress or completion of others and not all may be undertaken or show significant progress during the timeframe of a report on the progress of recovery strategy and action plan implementation (progress report).

The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Minister responsible for Parks Canada are the competent ministers under SARA for the Northern Abalone and have prepared this progress report.

As stated in the preamble to SARA, success in the protection and recovery of species at risk depends on the commitment and cooperation of many different constituencies that will be involved in implementing the directions set out in the recovery strategy and action plan, and will not be achieved by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Parks Canada (PC) or any other jurisdiction alone. The cost of recovering and conserving species at risk is shared amongst different constituencies. All Canadians are invited to join in supporting and implementing the recovery strategy and action plan for the Northern Abalone for the benefit of the species and Canadian society as a whole.

Acknowledgments

This progress report was prepared by Rhona Govender, Aisha Uduman, and Lara Slapcoff. This report was prepared with inputs from DFO Science, Conservation and Protection, and Fisheries Management branches, and PC. DFO would also like to express its appreciation to all individuals and organizations who have contributed to the recovery of the Northern Abalone, including members of the Abalone Recovery Implementation Group and Coast Watch volunteers.

Executive summary

The Northern Abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) was listed as threatened in 2003, and then as endangered in 2011 under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), following an updated status report and reassessment by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) in April 2009. The “Recovery Strategy for the Northern Abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) in Canada” was finalized and published on the Species at Risk Public Registry in 2007. The “Action Plan for the Northern Abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) in Canada” was subsequently finalized and published on the Species at Risk Public Registry in 2012. The Report on the “Progress of Recovery Strategy Implementation for Northern Abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana)” in Canada for the Period 2007 to 2012 was published on the Species at Risk Public Registry in 2015.

The main threats identified for Northern Abalone include: illegal harvest; low recruitment; habitat loss or degradation stemming from works on, in, and under water; and Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris) predation. The key factors limiting the survival and recovery of Northern Abalone are their patchy distribution, short larval period, slow growth, relatively long lifespan, and lowered or sporadic recruitment. Also, mature individuals, which tend to accumulate in shallow water, are easily accessible to illegal harvesters.

The population and distribution objectives for Northern Abalone are:

1. to observe that mean densities of large adult (> 100 mm shell length [SL]) Northern Abalone do not decline below 0.1 per m² at surveyed index sites in Haida Gwaii and North and Central Coast, and that the percentage of surveyed index sites with large adult (> 100 mm SL) Northern Abalone does not decrease below 40%
2. to observe that the mean total density estimates at newly established index sites in the Queen Charlotte and Johnstone Straits do not decline below the level observed in 2004 (0.06 Northern Abalone per m² and 0.02 Northern Abalone per m², respectively), and the mean total density estimates for the West Coast of Vancouver Island do not decline below the level observed in 2003 (0.09 Northern Abalone per m²)
3. to observe at the index sites (in areas without Sea Otters) that the annual estimated mortality rate for mature (≥ 70 mm SL) Northern Abalone is reduced to < 0.20 and the mean densities of mature (≥ 70 mm SL) Northern Abalone are increased to > 0.32 per m²
4. to observe at the index sites (in areas without Sea Otters) that the proportion of quadrats (m²) with Northern Abalone is increased to > 40%

The Report on the Progress of Recovery Strategy and Action Plan Implementation for the Northern Abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) in Canada for the Period 2013 to 2021 (progress report) reports on the progress made by DFO, PC, and partners towards implementing the recovery strategy and the action plan and achieving the objectives therein. Due to delays in completing the report on a 5-year cycle, the reporting period was extended in order to capture the most up-to-date information. During this time period, progress has been made, notably:

• partially fulfilling population and distribution objectives #2 and #3, and fulfilling population and distribution objective #4
• continued long-term monitoring (beginning in 1978 for parts of the coast) of Northern Abalone abundance, distribution, size, mortality, and density at index sites in 5 biogeographical zones
• enforcement of SARA and of Fisheries Act regulations to address illegal harvest and trade
• First Nations and coastal community involvement in enforcement of fisheries closures through local vessel patrols and Abalone Coast Watch or similar guardian programs, both through independently organized approaches as well as collaborations with DFO
• protection of critical habitat for Northern Abalone in 4 geographical areas through a Critical Habitat Order
• addressing information gaps for Northern Abalone and standardizing sampling techniques, including:
  • publication of a key paper on stock status and re-analysis of index site surveys
  • publication of research which identifies variables for standardization of the DFO Northern Abalone Index Site Survey data
  • development of a knowledge-based habitat suitability index to predict the probability of occurrence for Northern Abalone in the North Central Coast area
  • reporting on juvenile sampling techniques for Northern Abalone
  • publication of updated DFO data on Northern Abalone for use by COSEWIC to update the status of Northern Abalone in future reassessments

While notable progress has been made over the reporting period towards the recovery of Northern Abalone through the implementation of the activities identified in the recovery strategy and action plan, additional effort is required to achieve the population and distribution objectives to recover Northern Abalone in British Columbia (BC). Positive trends in some population indicators have been observed at some index sites in several regions of the BC coast but further work is needed to understand short- and long-term population implications of these trends. Continued work is also necessary to further our understanding of the relationships between Northern Abalone and Sea Otters in BC, as evidence suggests that while recovery of abalone remains feasible in the presence of Sea Otters, abalone populations may stabilize at lower densities than in the absence of Sea Otters.

Achieving population and distribution objectives will require additional research and monitoring to improve our understanding of Northern Abalone in BC, for example, by increasing the number of index sites surveyed to provide greater precision in our estimates of Northern Abalone density. In addition, achieving population and distribution objectives will also require efforts to mitigate anthropogenic threats, including through continuing to address illegal harvest, and continued review of development proposals in Northern Abalone habitat in accordance with the Northern Abalone impact assessment protocol.

1 Introduction

The “Report on the Progress of Recovery Strategy and Action Plan Implementation for the Northern Abalone in Canada for the Period of 2013 to 2021” outlines the progress made towards meeting the objectives listed in the “Recovery Strategy for the Northern Abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) in Canada” (Fisheries and Oceans Canada [DFO] 2007) and the “Action Plan for the Northern Abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) in Canada” (DFO 2012) during the indicated time period. This progress report is part of a series of documents for this species that are linked and should be taken into consideration together; including the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) status reports (COSEWIC 2000, 2009), the recovery potential assessment (RPA; Lessard et al. 2007), and the “Report on the Progress of Recovery Strategy Implementation for Northern Abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) in Canada for the Period 2007 to 2012” (progress report, DFO 2015a). This report serves as the second progress report for the Northern Abalone recovery strategy and the first progress report for the Northern Abalone action plan.

Section 2 of the progress report provides a summary of the threats to the species, population and distribution objectives for achieving its recovery, approaches to meeting the objectives, and performance measures to assess the progress of recovery. For more details, readers should refer back to the recovery strategy (DFO 2007) and the action plan (DFO 2012) as well as the first progress report (DFO 2015a). Section 3 reports on the progress of activities identified in the recovery strategy and action plan, to support achieving the population and distribution objectives. Section 4 summarizes the progress towards achieving these objectives.

2 Background

2.1 COSEWIC assessment summary and threats to the species and its critical habitat

Assessment summary: April 2009

Common name: Northern Abalone

Scientific name: Haliotis kamtschatkana

Status: Endangered

Reason for designation: Highly valued for its meat, this marine mollusc is patchily distributed along the west coast of Canada. Despite a total moratorium on harvest in 1990, the species was designated as Threatened in 2000. Poaching is the most serious threat and continues to reduce population abundance, particularly the larger, more fecund component; however, all size classes have declined significantly over the past 3 generations (that is, since 1978) with mature individuals declining an estimated 88-89%. Low densities may further exacerbate the problem by reducing fertilization success in this broadcast spawner (the Allee effect). Although predators such as the recovering Sea Otter population are not responsible for recently observed declines, they may ultimately influence future abundance of abalone populations.

Occurrence: Pacific Ocean

Status history: Designated threatened in April 1999. Status re-examined and confirmed in May 2000. Status re-examined and designated endangered in April 2009. Last assessment based on an update status report.

The listing of Northern Abalone under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) in 2003 led to the development and publication of the Recovery Strategy for the Northern Abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) in Canada in 2007 (recovery strategy; DFO 2007). The recovery strategy is consistent with the information provided in the COSEWIC Status Report (COSEWIC 2000).

In 2009, COSEWIC re-examined and changed the status of Northern Abalone from threatened to endangered in the COSEWIC Status Report (COSEWIC 2009) due to continued illegal harvest and low recruitment. Subsequently, the SARA status of Northern Abalone was uplisted to endangered in 2011.

The Recovery Strategy for the Northern Abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) in Canada and the Action Plan for the Northern Abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) in Canada identify the threats to survival and recovery of the Northern Abalone and threats to its critical habitat.

Section 1.6 of the recovery strategy, section 1.7 of the action plan, and section 1.2 of the first progress report provide information on the threats to the species (DFO 2007, 2012, 2015a). These threats include: illegal harvest; low recruitment; habitat loss or degradation stemming from works on, in, and under water; and Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris) predation.

Critical habitat for Northern Abalone has been identified in the action plan (DFO 2012) to the extent possible, within 4 geographical areas on the coast of British Columbia (BC; figure 3 in DFO 2012). The action plan also provides examples of activities that are likely to result in the destruction of critical habitat (that is, threats to critical habitat). The list of activities provided in table 3 of the action plan is neither exhaustive nor exclusive, and the inclusion of activities has been guided by the relevant threats to habitat described in the action plan. For more details on the activities likely to result in the destruction of critical habitat, consult section 2.3 of the action plan.

2.2 Recovery

This section summarizes the information, found in both the recovery strategy (DFO 2007) and action plan (DFO 2012), on the recovery goals and population and distribution objectives necessary for the recovery of the Northern Abalone, and on the performance measures that are used to define and measure progress towards achieving the population and distribution objectives.

Recovery goals

Section 2.1 of the recovery strategy (DFO 2007) identified 2 goals necessary for the recovery of the species:

Immediate goal over the next 5 years: halt the decline of the existing wild Northern Abalone population in BC in order to reduce the risk of this species becoming endangered.^{Footnote 1}

Long-term goal over the next 30 years^{Footnote 2}: increase number and densities of wild Northern Abalone to self-sustainable levels in each bio-geographic zone of BC^{Footnote 3} (Haida Gwaii, Queen Charlotte and Johnstone Strait, North and Central Coast, Georgia Basin, West Coast of Vancouver Island), in order to remove Northern Abalone from threatened (SARA) status.^{Footnote 1}

Population and distribution objectives

Section 2.3 of the recovery strategy (DFO 2007) identified the following population and distribution objectives necessary for the recovery of the species:

1. to observe that mean densities of large adult (> 100 mm shell length [SL]) Northern Abalone do not decline below 0.1 per m² at surveyed index sites in Haida Gwaii and North and Central Coast, and that the percentage of surveyed index sites with large adult (> 100 mm SL) Northern Abalone does not decrease below 40%
2. to observe that the mean total density estimates at newly established index sites in the Queen Charlotte and Johnstone Straits do not decline below the level observed in 2004 (0.06 Northern Abalone per m² and 0.02 Northern Abalone per m², respectively), and the mean total density estimates for the West Coast of Vancouver Island do not decline below the level observed in 2003 (0.09 Northern Abalone per m²)
3. to observe at the index sites (in areas without Sea Otters) that the annual estimated mortality rate for mature (≥ 70 mm SL) Northern Abalone is reduced to < 0.20 and the mean densities of mature (≥ 70 mm SL) Northern Abalone are increased to > 0.32 per m²
4. to observe at the index sites (in areas without Sea Otters) that the proportion of quadrats (m²) with Northern Abalone is increased to > 40%

Performance measures

Section 2.5 of the recovery strategy and 2.5.2 of the action plan (DFO 2007, 2012) includes performance measures to define and evaluate progress toward achieving the population and distribution objectives. Some of the performance measures from the 2007 recovery strategy were either re-framed or additional clarifying questions were added in the 2012 action plan, to focus and support future analyses of performance and progress towards achieving the stated objectives. Northern Abalone performance measures are summarized in table 1 and the clarifications between the recovery strategy and action plan are shown in bold.

This progress report further notes specific assumptions built into 3 of the objective-based performance measures in order to align with their corresponding population and distribution objectives. These assumptions are shown in [bracketed bold]. Additionally, 2 sub-measures have been included to facilitate reporting on the progress made towards population and distribution goal #2 regarding Queen Charlotte and Johnstone Straits (assumptions also shown in [bracketed bold]). For more information see section 3.3.1 of this report.

3 Progress towards recovery

This section updates and summarizes the achievements towards recovery strategy goals and objectives, as well as the progress achieved when working towards the more detailed goals and objectives that were clarified in the action plan within the 2013 to 2021 period. Refer to DFO 2015a for work that occurred prior to 2013.

The recovery strategy groups the recovery approaches into 5 broad strategies:

1. management
2. protection
3. education and awareness
4. research
5. monitoring

The recovery strategy also divides the recovery effort into 5 broad recovery approaches:

1. undertake research and rebuilding experiments for Northern Abalone
2. monitor the population status of Northern Abalone
3. maintain fisheries closures
4. implement a proactive protection plan for the recovery of Northern Abalone
5. implement a communications campaign to stop illegal harvest and raise public awareness for Northern Abalone

The action plan also categorizes the recovery effort activities into 5 broad strategies that are similar to the recovery strategy:

1. management
2. protection
3. education and awareness
4. research and population rebuilding
5. population monitoring

Progress in carrying out these broad strategies in the recovery strategy and the action plan are reported in section 3.1. Section 3.2 reports on the activities identified in the schedule of studies to identify critical habitat. Section 3.3 reports on the progress made towards meeting the performance measures and other commitments identified in both the recovery strategy and the action plan, and information obtained through implementing both documents.

3.1 Activities supporting recovery

Table 2 provides information on the implementation of activities undertaken to address the broad strategies identified in the recovery planning table of the recovery strategy (DFO 2007) between 2013 to 2021.

Broad Strategy 1: Management and research^{Footnote 4}

• Approach 1-1: Undertake research and rebuilding experiments for Northern Abalone

Broad Strategy 2: Protection

• Approach 2-1: Maintain fisheries closure
• Approach 2-2: Implement a proactive protection plan for the recovery of Northern Abalone
• Approach 2-3: Use protocols for authorizing works or development on, in and under water

Broad Strategy 3: Education and awareness

• Approach 3-1: Implement a communications campaign to stop illegal harvest and raise public awareness for Northern Abalone

Broad Strategy 4: Monitoring

• Approach 4-1: Monitor the population (surveys)

Lead participant(s) is/are listed on top and in bold; other participants are listed alphabetically. Each activity has been assigned 1 of 5 statuses:

1. completed: the activity has been carried out and concluded
2. completed, ongoing: activity has been completed, but efforts will continue as needed to achieve the objectives outlined in the species recovery strategy/action plan
3. in progress: the planned activity is underway and has not concluded
4. not started: the activity has been planned but has yet to start
5. cancelled: the planned activity will not be started or completed

a. Lead participant(s), where applicable, is/are listed on top and in bold; other participants are listed alphabetically.

b. These recruitment modules are also called artificial habitats or “condos”; these units consist of concrete bricks housed in a modified commercial crab trap and provide suitable habitat for Northern Abalone.

3.1.1 Activities supporting recovery from the action plan

Table 3 provides information on the implementation of the recovery activities identified in the action plan (DFO 2012) from 2013 to 2021.

Broad Strategy 1: Management

• Approach 1-1: Maintain the fisheries closures for Northern Abalone

Broad Strategy 2: Protection

• Approach 2-1: Implement a compliance promotion and enforcement (proactive and reactive) plan for the recovery of Northern Abalone
  • Initiative 2-1-1: Education and shared stewardship activities
  • Initiative 2-1-2: Activities to monitor, detect and respond to cases of non-compliance
  • Initiative 2-1-3: Develop major cases and intelligence-based investigations on illegal abalone trade

Broad Strategy 3: Education and awareness

• Approach 3-1: Implement a communications campaign to stop illegal harvest and raise public awareness of Northern Abalone
  • Initiative 3-1-1: Continue to raise awareness of the plight of the abalone and the threats to their survival
  • Initiative 3-1-2: Stop or discourage illegal harvesting activities
  • Initiative 3-1-3: Significantly reduce demand for (illegal) Northern Abalone by targeting sales and consumption of Northern Abalone

Broad Strategy 4: Research and population rebuilding

• Approach 4-1: Research on Northern Abalone to improve understanding of abalone recruitment and species interactions
• Approach 4-2: Continue to promote abalone population rebuilding initiatives in collaboration with First Nations and other coastal communities

Broad Strategy 5: Population monitoring

• Approach 5-1: Monitor population status of Northern Abalone

a. Lead participant(s), where applicable, is/are listed on top and in bold; other participants are listed alphabetically.

b. The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act was repealed with the coming into force of the Impact Assessment Act in August 2019.

3.2 Activities supporting identification of critical habitat

Table 4 provides information on the implementation of the studies outlined in the schedule of studies to identify critical habitat within the recovery strategy (DFO 2007). Each study has been assigned 1 of 4 statuses:

1. completed: the study has been carried out and concluded
2. in progress: the study is underway and has not concluded
3. not started: the study has been planned but has yet to start
4. cancelled: the study will not be started or completed

Lead participant(s) is/are listed on top and in bold; other participants are listed alphabetically.

a. Lead participant(s), where applicable, is/are listed on top and in bold; other participants are listed alphabetically.

3.3 Summary of progress towards recovery

3.3.1 Status of performance measures

The following is a summary of the progress made towards the recovery of Northern Abalone as outlined in the updated performance measures from the action plan. Some of the questions from the 2007 recovery strategy were re-framed in the 2012 action plan to focus and support future analyses of performance and progress towards achieving the stated objectives (shown in bold). This progress report further notes specific assumptions built into 3 of the objective-based performance measures to better reflect their correlated population and distribution objectives and how they have been interpreted in practice (shown in [bracketed bold]). Additionally, 2 sub-measures have been included to facilitate reporting on the progress made towards population and distribution objective #2 regarding Queen Charlotte and Johnstone Straits (also shown in [bracketed bold]). Population and distribution objectives relating to the objective-based performance measures are stated in section 2.2 of this report.

Objective-based performance measures ^{Footnote 5}:

The Haida Gwaii biogeographic zone referenced in the recovery strategy (DFO 2007) and the action plan (DFO 2012) corresponds with both the East Coast Haida Gwaii (ECHG) and West Coast Haida Gwaii (WCHG) Northern Abalone index site survey regions. Likewise, the North and Central Coast biogeographic zone corresponds with the Central Coast (CC) survey region.

Two main publications have been used to address and answer the objective-based performance measures. Obradovich et al. (2021) presents updated DFO data on Northern Abalone with the purpose of informing an upcoming COSEWIC status re-assessment. Curtis and Zhang (2018) presents survey data collected by DFO at the Northern Abalone index sites from 2000 to 2016.

1. Did the mean density of large adult (> 100 mm SL) Northern Abalone decline below 0.1 per m² at surveyed index sites in Haida Gwaii and North and Central Coast? Or did it increase?

This objective has not been fulfilled. Obradovich et al. (2021) reported observed and estimated posterior mean densities (Abalone per m²) for the index site survey regions by size category based on SL.

• In the CC survey region, the observed mean density of large adult Northern Abalone increased slightly from 0.07 individuals per m² in 2011 to 0.08 individuals per m² in 2016
• In the ECHG survey region, the observed mean density of large adult Northern Abalone remained the same at 0.05 individuals per m² in 2012 and 2017
• In the WCHG survey region, the observed mean density of large adult Northern Abalone increased from 0.02 individuals per m² in 2013 to 0.04 individuals per m² in 2018

Curtis and Zhang (2018) analyzed Northern Abalone index site surveys in BC from 2000 to 2016. They found that:

• by 2016, the estimated mean density for large Northern Abalone for CC survey region had continued to increase from 0.043 ± 0.015 (standard error) in 2001 to 0.085 ± 0.029 in 2016, with a decline below the 2001 value observed only in 2006
• the estimated mean density of large Northern Abalone adults in the ECHG survey region increased from 0.026 ± 0.008 individuals per m² in 2007 to 0.051 ± 0.014 individuals per m² in 2012
• in the WCHG survey region, large Northern Abalone adults were absent in 2008, and the observed mean density for this size class in 2013 was 0.018 ± 0.010 individuals per m²

2. Did the percentage of surveyed index sites with large adult (> 100 mm SL) Northern Abalone decrease (< 40%) at surveyed index sites [in Haida Gwaii and the North and Central Coast])? Or did it increase (> 40%)?

This objective has been partially fulfilled. The percentage of sites on the ECHG survey region as well as CC survey region with large adult Northern Abalone has begun to increase. Results of the 2012 survey of the ECHG index sites showed that the percentage of sites with large Northern Abalone increased to 30.2% ± 17.4% (mean ± 95% confidence interval) and was no longer significantly below 40% (Curtis and Zhang 2018). A similar pattern has been observed for the CC survey region, with survey results in 2011 and 2016 showing that the percentage of sites with large Northern Abalone has increased to approximately 40% (Curtis and Zhang 2018).

[2a. Did the mean total densities of Northern Abalone in the Queen Charlotte Strait^{Footnote 6} decline below 0.06 Northern Abalone per m² or in the Johnstone Strait did it decline below 0.02 Northern Abalone per m²? Or did one or both increase?]

This objective has been partially fulfilled. Curtis and Zhang (2018) reported on the results of the index site surveys of the Queen Charlotte Strait (QCS) survey region, which are divided into 2 areas^{Footnote 7}: Gordon Channel (GC; established in 2004) and North Queen Charlotte Strait (NQCS; added in 2009). Index Sites in the GC Area provide the most relevant comparisons to the population and distribution objectives outlined in the action plan since the NQCS Area was not added until 2009, after the objectives in the action plan were developed. The estimated mean total density for all size classes of Northern Abalone in GC increased between 2004 and 2009, and then remained relatively stable between 2009 and 2014 at 0.164 ± 0.061 (standard error) and 0.147 ± 0.046 individuals per m² respectively (Curtis and Zhang 2018). 2014 surveys of index sites in NQCS indicate that the estimated mean total density in this area was 0.051 ± 0.026 individuals per m². This is not significantly less than the observed 2009 density of 0.063 individuals per m² (Curtis and Zhang 2018). Johnstone Strait was not resurveyed based on the recommendation of Davies et al. (2006), given the limited suitable abalone habitat in the area.

Obradovich et al. (2021) reported observed and estimated posterior mean densities by size category for the QCS survey region. In this analysis, the QCS survey region was not divided into the 2 areas. The observed mean total density increased from 0.04 individuals per m² in 2004 to 0.11 individuals per m² in 2009, dropping to 0.09 individuals per m² in 2014 (Obradovich et al. 2021). Survey data from Johnstone Strait (surveyed in 1986 and 2004) was not included in this analysis as these sites contained limited abalone habitat and are no longer surveyed as part of the index site surveys.

[2b. Did the mean total densities of Northern Abalone in the West Coast of Vancouver Island decline below 0.09 Northern Abalone per m²? Or did it increase?]

Analysis of 2018 index site survey data indicates that Objective 2(b) was fulfilled during that survey year (Obradovich et al. 2021). The West Coast Vancouver Island (WCVI) region was most recently surveyed in 2013 and 2018. From the establishment of this region’s index sites in 2003 until 2013, a decline was observed in the densities of each size category (Curtis and Zhang 2018). This decline was most pronounced for the adult size class where the observed density was 9 times lower in 2013 than in 2003. The 2013 index site survey results in the WCVI region showed a mean total density of 0.063 ± 0.019 (standard error) Northern Abalone per m². In the Obradovich et al. (2021) analysis, the observed mean total density for the WCVI decreased from 0.16 individuals per m² in 2003 to 0.09 individuals per m² in 2013; however, it then increased to 0.26 individuals per m² in 2018.

Larger abalone (> 100 mm SL) were noticeably absent from the WCVI survey region where Sea Otters have been present at the index sites for up to 42 years in some areas. See table 2, activity 1-1d, and table 3, activity 4-1d, for more detail on ecological interactions between Northern Abalone and Sea Otter, and remaining knowledge gaps around the role of Sea Otter in Northern Abalone recovery.

3. At index sites [in areas without Sea Otters] was the annual estimated mortality rate for mature (≥ 70 mm SL) abalone reduced to < 0.20, and the mean densities of mature (≥ 70 mm SL) abalone increase to greater than 0.32/m²?

This objective has been partially fulfilled. The annual estimated mortality rate for mature abalone was not reduced to < 0.20 in localised areas where site index data was collected within the period of this progress report (Curtis and Zhang 2018; Obradovich et al. 2021).The mortality rate was estimated to be 0.252 ± 0.016 (standard error) within the ECHG region from 1990 to 2012 (Curtis and Zhang 2018). For mature Northern Abalone in the CC region, the mortality rate was estimated to be 0.295 ± 0.023 from 1993 to 2016 (Curtis and Zhang 2018).

The estimates of annual mortality rates provided by Curtis and Zhang (2018) are lower than those by Obradovich et al. (2021) for the ECHG survey region and the CC survey region in areas with Sea Otters present, but higher than the estimate for the CC survey region in areas where Sea Otters are absent. Obradovich et al. (2021) estimates of annual mortality rates by survey region are as follows:

• 0.60 ± 0.05 per year in the ECHG survey region (2012 to 2017, sea otters absent)
• 0.42 ± 0.07 per year in the CC survey region (1993 to 2016) in areas where Sea Otters were present
• 0.20 ± 0.02 per year in the CC survey region (1993 to 2016) in areas where Sea Otters were absent (Obradovich et al. 2021)

While mortality rates were higher in areas of Sea Otter presence, further work is needed to understand the specific contributions of Sea Otter predation, illegal harvest and other factors to total Northern Abalone mortality (Obradovich et al. 2021).

The estimated mean densities of mature abalone increased to be greater than 0.32 per m² for 2 of the 3 bio-regions where this recovery target applies (ECHG, WCHG CC) and where index site data was collected within the period of this progress report. Densities for Northern Abalone have been slowly increasing in areas without Sea Otters, though there is a high degree of variability in adult density between and within regions and areas. Curtis and Zhang (2018) reported that the mean density of mature abalone was 0.353 ± 0.084 in 2012 for the ECHG region, noting that given the standard error, the possible mean density of mature abalone could be below 0.32 individuals per m². Obradovich et al. (2021) reported that the estimated observed mean density of mature Northern Abalone was 0.37 individuals per m² during the 2012 surveys of ECHG, which then decreased slightly to 0.36 individuals per m² in 2017. Observed mean densities of Northern Abalone in the CC were estimated at 0.44 individuals per m² in 2011, and increased to 0.60 individuals per m² during the 2016 surveys in that region (Obradovich et al. 2021). In the WCHG region, between 2008 and 2018, mature Northern Abalone observed mean density increased from 0.06 to 0.49 individuals per m² (Obradovich et al. 2021).

4. At index sites [in areas without Sea Otters] were more than 40% of the quadrats (m²) occupied by abalone?

This objective has been fulfilled. Within the period of 2013 to 2018, more than 40% of the quadrats were occupied by abalone in index sites without Sea Otters (Curtis and Zhang 2018). This target was met on the ECHG as of 2012, WCHG as of 2013, and CC as of 2016, though there are sea otters present at the southern end of the CC index area. The percentage of quadrats with Northern Abalone amalgamates both density and dispersion, providing a coarse scale view of aggregative behaviour.

Action-based performance measures:

Management

5. Was the coast-wide closure to Northern Abalone harvesting maintained and enforced?

The coast-wide closure to harvesting of Northern Abalone has remained in place since 1990 and has been enforced. There are ongoing patrols for, and investigations into, potential illegal harvests, possession, and sales of Northern Abalone (Demsky pers. comm. 2021). The majority of the efforts to curtail the threat of illegal harvest on Northern Abalone are concentrated on the sale and transport of illegally obtained abalone. While efforts to monitor for illegal harvest continue, it is also of great importance to disrupt the market demand for Northern Abalone by apprehending individuals and organizations that are purchasing, possessing, and/or selling it.

6. Is there evidence for success in detecting and apprehending illegal harvesters?

Up until 2018, there were several multi-year investigations into illegal harvest, possession, and sale of Northern Abalone (Demsky pers. comm. 2021) that have led to charges being approved to proceed to court. The amount of calls to the Observe-Record-Report (ORR) line received by enforcement officers has declined since the last reporting period (77 calls between 2007 and 2012, and 40 between 2013 and December 31, 2021).

Protection

7. Was a proactive protective enforcement plan implemented?

A proactive enforcement plan for Northern Abalone has been in place since the species was listed under SARA in 2003. Annual compliance promotion work plans are prepared for all abalone-related activities. Coast-wide proactive protection measures included preventative enforcement patrols, intelligence gathering, and community stewardship and conservation activities such as community-based Coast Watch programs.

8. How many reports relating to abalone harvesting were provided to enforcement officers and the toll free enforcement line (Observe-Record-Report [ORR])?

Enforcement officers at the ORR line received a total of 40 reports related to Northern Abalone between 2013 and 2021. In addition to these reports, information from the public is often communicated to DFO during patrols and public visits to DFO detachments. Abalone patrols by stewardship groups have also directly resulted in several reports, both to regional DFO staff and/or to the ORR line.

9. To what degree were these reports investigated and resulted in charges and convictions?

All reports to the ORR are reviewed by an official and recorded. Responses vary depending on the severity and reliability of the report and are responded to as appropriate. All violations are entered into a database. Many of these reports led to investigations by fishery officers to determine whether a violation had occurred and charges were laid for confirmed violations.

10. How many hours were spent on enforcing abalone closures?

DFO has dedicated thousands of hours to enforcing Northern Abalone closures. This includes patrols, inspections, and long-term and covert investigations. DFO-funded Northern Abalone Stewardship groups and Coast Watch members have dedicated over 3,150 days to at-sea monitoring patrols (dedicated and opportunistic) since 2013.

11. What were the trends in enforcement hours and resulting charges and convictions over the period before and during implementation of the recovery strategy?

Illegal possession and sale of Northern Abalone has resulted in fines as high as $77,500 as well as the confiscation of vehicles and vessels. This is an increase from smaller fines imposed in the past, both before and after the assent of SARA.

12. Has the impact of the illegal harvest been studied further?

Camaclang et al. (2017) developed a spatially explicit simulation model of poaching behaviour to estimate the influence of the intensity, frequency, and spatial distribution of poaching on the population viability of Northern Abalone in Barkley Sound, BC. They integrated this model of poaching with a stochastic, habitat-based, spatially explicit population model and applied it to examine the impact of poaching on metapopulation dynamics in Barkley Sound. They found that while demographic parameters remained important in predicting extinction probabilities for Northern Abalone, simulations indicate that the odds of extinction are twice as high when populations are subjected to poaching.

Education and awareness

13. Was a long-term communications strategy implemented?

A long-term communications strategy has been in place for Northern Abalone since the development of the recovery strategy in 2007. Multiple communications activities were undertaken within the reporting period, both by DFO and Northern Abalone stewardship groups. Refer to activities 2-2c and 3-1d in table 2 for a summary of communications materials that were created and how they were promoted.

14. How many and what kind of communication materials and/or actions were produced and/or undertaken?

A wide variety of materials and approaches have been used to help raise awareness about the threats to Northern Abalone, and how to report suspected or witnessed incidents of illegal harvest. These included:

• newsletters (7 distributed)
• brochures/pamphlets (over 3100 distributed)
• posters (100+ distributed to small craft harbours)
• various other communication materials including: stickers and magnets, tee shirts, hats, temporary tattoos, buttons, canvas totes, coffee mugs, backpacks
• Coast Watch training and workshops
• community outreach
• print and social media
• stewardship group participation in community events including the All Native Basketball Tournament and Community days
• website maintained by Haida Gwaii Marine Stewardship Group (HGMSG)
• DFO Northern Abalone website including links to Northern Abalone video clips, publications, and lesson plans

15. How many people, and where, did the communications activities reach?

Results from Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk (AFSAR) and Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) final project reports submitted within the reporting period indicate that over 19,000 people were reached through communication and outreach efforts. These outreach materials reached people in the Gitga’at, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo, Metlakatla, Huu-ay-aht, Nisga’a, and Haida territories, as well as members of coastal communities around these territories. Communications activities conducted by DFO through the use of social media (including Facebook and Twitter) were targeted to the general public.

16. What indications for increased awareness and/or reductions in illegal harvest were a result of communication efforts?

Indications for increased awareness of threats to Northern Abalone and efforts to mitigate these threats include participation in Northern Abalone Coast Watch programs, attendance at community meetings, workshops, and Abalone Recovery Implementation Group (AbRIG) meetings, as well as use of the DFO ORR line. The number of volunteers participating in Coast Watch activities has continued to increase. Based on HSP and AFSAR reports, at least 650 people attended community meetings and/or workshops related to abalone conservation in the Haida, Kitasoo, Heiltsuk, and Metlakatla territories. AbRIG meetings, led by DFO, continue to be attended by representatives from First Nations and Parks Canada (PC). Several reports of suspected illegal activity have been provided to DFO during the reporting period. An increase in awareness is apparent, given the large number of people who attended various workshops and have been involved in communication efforts.

Research and population rebuilding

17. What significant new knowledge was gained through research that would directly contribute to the rebuilding of the Northern Abalone population?

There has been significant research completed between 2013 and 2021, both in BC and internationally, that has contributed to the overall knowledge of Northern Abalone and other abalone species (that may be applied to Northern Abalone as well) including:

• a greater understanding of the impacts of Sea Otters on Northern Abalone abundance, size, and behaviour (Lee 2016; Lee et al. 2018)
• research on the potential impacts of climate change on abalone species, which may assist in adaptively managing Northern Abalone (Boch et al. 2018)
• a stock status and re-analysis of index site surveys in BC. (Curtis and Zhang 2018)
• identification of variables for standardization of the DFO Northern Abalone Index Site Survey data (1978 to 2018) based on survey methodology and environmental variability to estimate trends in Northern Abalone densities in BC (Hansen et al. 2020)
• a knowledge-based habitat suitability index to predict the probability of occurrence for Northern Abalone in the North and Central Coast area (Nephin et al. 2020)
• an updated summary of DFO information on Northern Abalone in Canadian Pacific waters for use in the upcoming abalone status re-assessment by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (Obradovich et al. 2021)
• a report on juvenile sampling techniques for Northern Abalone based on research conducted in the Broken Group Islands in the Barkley Sound, BC from 2002 until 2007 (Curtis et al. 2021)

18. How many population rebuilding initiatives were undertaken?

There were no new outplanting or aggregation population rebuilding initiatives undertaken during the reporting period, though results based on previous population rebuilding initiatives outside of this reporting period have now been published. See activities 1-1a and 1-1c in table 2.

19. Was there an observed increase in juvenile abundance and/or recruitment as a result of rebuilding experiments?

There have been observed increases in juvenile abundance; however, this is likely the result of many contributing factors and not primarily due to rebuilding experiments. A more thorough understanding of this will be available when the review and synthesis of aggregation work is completed (activity 1-1a in table 2).

20. Does rebuilding appear to be a viable or promising strategy to recover the wild abalone population?

An understanding of this linkage is dependent on the ongoing work in activity 1-1a (table 2) and will be reported on in a subsequent progress report.

21. What reports were prepared which provide results of surveys and biological studies?

In November, 2018, DFO published the manuscript “Northern Abalone, Haliotis kamtschatkana, Stock Status and Re-analysis of Index Site Surveys in BC., 2000–2016” (Curtis and Zhang 2018). This report presents data collected for each of the biogeographic regions since either 2000 or the initiation of the survey and includes an analysis using a zero-inflated Bayesian model. Much of the data presented in this report has not been previously published, including surveys from 2008 to 2016. For more details see section 3.3.1.1.

In 2021, DFO published the research document “Pre-COSEWIC review of DFO information on Northern Abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) along the Pacific Coast of Canada” (Obradovich et al. 2021). This report assessed index site survey data from 1978 to present and used the Bayesian hurdle model standardized by environmental variables at the index sites to estimate posterior mean densities. For more details see section 3.3.1.1.

Also in 2021, Curtis et al. (2021) reported on juvenile sampling techniques for Northern Abalone based on research conducted in the Broken Group Islands in the Barkley Sound, BC from 2002 until 2007.

22. Were regular surveys continued in each of the biogeographic zones?^{Footnote 8}

Yes, ongoing Northern Abalone index site surveys are conducted in 6 survey regions in BC, which correspond to 5 biogeographic zones referenced in the recovery strategy (DFO 2007) and the action plan (DFO 2012). The survey regions, biogeographic zones and years each region was sampled can be found in table 1 of Obradovich et al. (2021) and have been included in table 5 below. No surveys were conducted in 2020 and 2021 due constraints resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

3.3.2 Critical habitat identification and protection

Critical habitat for the Northern Abalone was identified in the action plan. The critical habitat identified in the action plan describes the geographical area that contains habitat necessary for the survival or recovery of the species. The critical habitat for Northern Abalone has been identified within 4 distinct geospatial areas: West Coast Haida Gwaii, East Coast Haida Gwaii, North and Central Coast, and Barkley Sound (figure 2 in DFO 2012). The current area identified is deemed to be sufficient to achieve the population and distribution objectives for the species. As illegal harvest is the most significant threat to Northern Abalone recovery, detailed geospatial information is not included in the SARA public registry pursuant to SARA section 124. The critical habitat for Northern Abalone has been protected against destruction under a SARA Critical Habitat Order made under subsections 58(4) and 58(5) in December 2017.

3.3.3 Socio-economic impact

As per section 49(1) (e) of SARA, the action plan included a socio-economic evaluation of the costs of the action plan and the benefits to be derived from its implementation (section 4 of the action plan). This section updates the socio-economic impacts associated with the implementation of the action plan between 2013 and 2021.

Many of the economic costs associated with implementation of recovery actions have been, and will continue to be, borne by government agencies (for example, DFO and PC). These were evaluated as a reallocation of existing government funds and are not considered additional costs to society. These government-funded actions have also had opportunity costs (which are the loss of any potential gain from activities that have not occurred as a result of action plan implementation); however, these are not easily quantified.

Actions to recover Northern Abalone, such as coast-wide fisheries closures, pre-date the listing of the species under SARA in 2003. This evaluation considers the economic costs and benefits of the recovery activities that have taken place over the reporting period of 2013 to 2021.

A large part of the economic costs that are borne by the federal government for Northern Abalone recovery are provided via the AFSAR and HSP funding programs, which represent a key approach to achieving recovery actions for Northern Abalone. Between 2013 and 2021, 34 projects that included Northern Abalone have received funding through these programs. These projects are vital to the recovery of Northern Abalone and fulfilling the performance measures from the action plan. Projects funded by HSP must have dollar and in-kind costs matched by the recipients receiving the funding, and for every $1 provided by AFSAR at least $0.20 is raised by project recipients.

Socio-economic benefits have arisen from the implementation of the recovery strategy and action plan, including positive impacts on biodiversity and the value individuals place on preserving biodiversity (Federal, Provincial, Territorial Governments of Canada 2014). These recovery actions have provided broader ecosystem and non-market benefits.

3.3.4 Recovery feasibility

Based on the best current available information, recovery of Northern Abalone is determined to be feasible (DFO 2007). No new information has been gathered that would suggest that Northern Abalone in BC no longer meets the feasibility criteria laid out in the recovery strategy.

4 Concluding statement

In the period of 2013 to 2021, through the implementation of the activities identified in the Recovery Strategy for the Northern Abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) in Canada and in the Action Plan for the Northern Abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) in Canada, notable progress has been made in recovering Northern Abalone, including:

• continued long-term population monitoring of Northern Abalone index sites along the BC coast
• continued enforcement of SARA and of Fisheries Act regulations to address illegal harvest and trade
• involvement of First Nations and coastal communities in Northern Abalone stewardship through local vessel patrols and Abalone Coast Watch or similar guardian programs, both through independently organized approaches and collaborations with DFO
• protection of critical habitat for Northern Abalone in 4 geographical areas through a Critical Habitat Order

While positive trends in Northern Abalone abundances and densities have been observed in some survey regions, additional effort is required to understand underlying drivers and short and long-term population implications of these trends, and to achieve all population and distribution objectives. As stated in the action plan (DFO 2012), achieving long-term recovery goals is expected to take several decades, given the species is slow-growing, has low and sporadic recruitment, and reduced fertilization success at low densities. Priority next steps include: increasing the number of index sites in Northern Abalone surveys, improving our understanding of the relationships between Northern Abalone and Sea Otters in BC, continuing efforts to address illegal harvest, and continued reviewing of development proposals in Northern Abalone habitat in accordance with the established impact assessment protocol (see appendix 4 in the action plan).

The Government of Canada remains committed to the recovery of the Northern Abalone. The work started and completed to date has built a strong foundation for continued research and management of this species over the next reporting period. Progress made to date would not have been achieved without the contribution from our partners. The Government of Canada is looking forward to continuing this successful collaboration and welcomes the participation of additional partners.

5 References

Appendix A: key to abbreviations

AbRIG

Abalone Recovery Implementation Group

AFSAR

Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk

BC

British Columbia

BCCC

BC coastal communities

BC Gov.

Government of BC. Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, BC Conservation Officer Service

CBSA

Canadian Border Service Agency

CC

Central Coast

CCG

Canadian Coast Guard

CDFW

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

CFIA

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

COSEWIC

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

DFO

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

DOJ

Department of Justice

ECCC

Environment and Climate Change Canada

ECHG 

East Coast Haida Gwaii

FN

First Nations

GB

Georgia Basin

HGMSG

Haida Gwaii Marine Stewardship Group, formally known as the Haida Gwaii Abalone Stewards - a partnership of the Haida Fisheries Program, Skidegate Band Council, Old Massett Village Council, Laskeek Bay Conservation Society, Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, World Wildlife Fund Canada, Simon Fraser University Centre for Wildlife Ecology, SFU School of Resource and Environmental Management, Environment Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

HIRMD

Heiltsuk Integrated Resource Management Department

HSP

Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk

KASP

Kitasoo Abalone Stewardship Program (Kitasoo Fisheries Program)

NGOs

Non-governmental Organizations

ORR

Observe-Record-Report

PC

Parks Canada

PPSC

Public Prosecution Service of Canada

Proponent

Proponent for the works or developments on, in, or under the water

QCS

Queen Charlotte Strait

RCMP

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

SARA

Species at Risk Act

SL

Shell Length

U.S.

United States

USFWS

United States Fish and Wildlife Service

USNMFS

United States National Marine Fisheries Service

WCHG

West Coast Haida Gwaii

WCVI

West Coast Vancouver Island

WDFW

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Appendix B: associated plans

For ease of reference, provided below is a list of recovery strategies, action plans, and progress reports in which information on Northern Abalone recovery in Canada can be found.

Recovery strategy for Northern Abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) in Canada (2007)

Haida Gwaii Northern Abalone community action plan (2008)

Action Plan for the Northern Abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) in Canada (2012)

Management plan for the Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris) in Canada (2014)

Report on the progress of recovery strategy implementation for Northern Abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) in Canada for the period 2007 to 2012 (2015)

Multi-species action plan for Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site (2016)

Multi-species action plan for Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada (2017)