RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SEA OTTER RANGE EXPANSION AND RED ABALONE ABUNDANCE AND SIZE DISTRIBUTION IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

Red abalone population surveys were conducted near point Estero, California between 1965 and 1993, before, during, and after reoccupation of the area by sea otters. A decline in abalone density occurred (0.101/m(2) to 0.007/m(2)) associated with the reoccupation of the area by sea otters. Evidence is presented suggesting that sea otter predation was responsible for the decline and subsequent stability at densities below those needed to support a viable commercial or recreational fishery.