This indicator measures the number in pounds of abalone harvested each year in the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel. Data was obtained from the Department of Fish and Game from 1983 to1997.

For decades now the abalone fishery in Santa Barbara County has been exploited. Between 1951 and 1974, a 300% increase was seen in the commercial fishing fleet. Also, technology for harvesting these creatures became more efficient, including faster boats and better fishing gear. A market of this size must be monitored to maintain the health of the abalone population. At current numbers, the abalone population may be beyond their maximum sustainable yield.

Since 1983, the amount of abalone harvested from the Santa Barbara Channel has steadily decreased. In 1996 and 1997, red abalone were the only species recorded in harvesting figures. Fifteen years ago, the black abalone catch for 1983 numbered 315,683 pounds, yet in 1993 only 1,648 pounds were landed. Currently, there is a moratorium on fishing black abalone. The other species show similar statistics, which outlines a classic case of serial depletion.