Before teaching this lesson, it is important for educators to familiarize themselves with the local ancestral territories of the Indigenous peoples whose traditional lands are along the Northwestern California coast. This area is home to many tribes, such as the Yurok, Karuk, Tolowa, and Wiyot, each with rich cultural connections to the coastal environment and marine life, including abalone. Understanding the significance of these ancestral territories fosters respect and appreciation for the Indigenous communities and their deep-rooted relationship with the land and sea.

Abalone are marine mollusks with distinctive, colorful shells and play an important ecological role in coastal habitats. Along the Pacific Northwest California coast, abalone have been a vital resource for Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Tribes harvested abalone sustainably for food, tools, jewelry, and trade. They developed traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) that guided respectful harvesting practices and protected abalone populations. Stories and cultural teachings often highlight the connection between people, animals, and the environment.

In recent history, abalone populations have dramatically declined due to overharvesting, habitat degradation, pollution, climate change, and disease. This decline threatens not only the species but also the cultural traditions and ways of life of coastal Indigenous communities.

Educators should approach this lesson with cultural humility, honoring Indigenous voices and knowledge alongside scientific facts. Preparing by reading about local tribes’ history and TEK related to abalone will enrich the lesson and help students appreciate the important intersection of culture, ecology, and conservation.

• Watch Oceans (TEK, Science & Management Webinar Series)

• Watch TEK Species Series: Abalone History and Ecology in Native California