Wild Abalone Disappears from U.S. Coasts Due to Overfishing and Environmental Changes
Wild abalone, once a staple along the Pacific coast from California to Alaska, is now a rare sight due to overfishing, habitat loss, and environmental changes. Historically, abalone was a vital food source for indigenous tribes and became popular in the mid-20th century among chefs and seafood enthusiasts. However, the demand led to overfishing, and the rise of withering syndrome, a bacterial disease, further decimated populations. Additionally, the decline of kelp forests, essential for abalone survival, has been exacerbated by climate change and sea urchin overpopulation. As a result, wild abalone is now endangered, and harvesting is prohibited in the U.S. 
