Sea of Prosperity: Foundations of the California Commercial Abalone Fishery

Beginning in the mid-nineteenth century, the first commercial abalone fishery sprang to life along the shores of central and southern California, an industry founded and developed by pioneering Chinese immigrants. Archaeological survey and excavation projects along California's offshore islands and historical records searches have uncovered details on how Chinese immigrants established what became a multi-million dollar commercial fishery. Here, we offer the first synthesis of archaeological and historical data of Chinese abalone fishing across California's Channel Islands. Our results reveal details about the history and lifeways of Chinese fishermen, their business practices, and their participation in local, regional, and global economies.