Plain Language Summary: Haida Marine Stewardship: Lessons from the Past and Future Around Abalone.

By Jaime Ojeda, Gwiisihlgaa Daniel McNeill, Niisii Guujaaw, Jaasaljuus Yakgujanaas, Chris Rhodes, and Natalie C. Ban.

Read the full paper here.

For thousands of years, the Haida Nation has sustainably managed northern abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) in Haida Gwaii based on principles of reciprocity, respect, and responsibility. Abalone holds immense cultural and nutritional importance for the Haida people, deeply woven into their traditions and practices. However, commercial overfishing and mismanagement during the colonial period led to severe declines in abalone populations, culminating in a complete harvesting ban in 1990.

Our research explores the enduring relationship between the Haida and abalone, focusing on traditional values, such as “take only what you need,” and ongoing conservation efforts. Despite the ban, the Haida have maintained their connection to abalone through knowledge sharing, cultural practices, and educational programs involving both elders and youth.

Haida stewardship includes innovative actions like transplanting abalone to support population recovery, building protective “abalone condos” for juveniles, and embedding abalone-related teachings into school curriculums. These initiatives support the continuity of cultural heritage and contribute to the long-term sustainability of abalone populations.

This study underscores the value of integrating Indigenous knowledge into contemporary fisheries management to address the ecological and cultural impacts of past overfishing and mismanagement. Recognizing and fostering reciprocal contributions between people and marine ecosystems can promote more effective, equitable, and inclusive management practices globally. Our findings highlight the need for collaborative efforts to protect abalone while respecting the cultural significance and sustainable practices of Indigenous communities.