The sea otter, by eating the sea urchins, kelp crabs, and snails that destroy the kelp by eating it, makes the presence of kelp beds possible. The high market value of abalone has made it difficult for the abalone industry to be self-regulating. The sport fishing industry removes enough abalone during the year to equal the commercial fishery. Although there is a minimum size limit for abalone, many juveniles are killed when they are removed from rocks to be measured. A device much like a tire iron is used which will often slice the foot of the delicate creature, killing it.
Abalone is used worldwide for food and for medicinal purposes.
Some believe that abalone increases the functioning of the liver and kidneys and is rich in vitamin A and calcium. Between 1977 and 1996, over 15 million pounds of abalone were taken from California waters. While 1,240,579 pounds of abalone were taken from California waters in 1982, only 224,792 pounds were taken in 1996. Abalone, too, is being affected by ocean pollution. About 150 otters have been spotted near Santa Barbara, California and 15 are in Southern California waters.