Why it wasn't enough to just leave the pinto abalone alone
![Why it wasn't enough to just leave the pinto abalone alone](https://crosscut.com/sites/default/files/styles/max_992x992/public/images/articles/pintoalolone_hero.jpg?itok=OmWRRhMv)
Two decades ago, Washington made it illegal to harvest the giant sea snail. Earlier this month, the state added it to the endangered species list.
![](https://crosscut.com/sites/default/files/styles/max_2600x2600/public/images/pintoabalone_gll_in-text-001_1.jpeg?itok=HStEbLag)
Photo Essay, The quest to help tiny abalone survive
Washington's giant sea snail still needs saving — High Country News – Know the West
![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61ccfa39c71869596f793cb2/22f8eeca-1b3a-4891-b892-022f16f0bd68/image-asset+%281%29.jpeg)
Scuba Diving for White Abalone — Oriana Poindexter
Washington's giant sea snail still needs saving — High Country News – Know the West
Delicious and now endangered: Can the pinto abalone make a comeback?
![](https://blackabaloneblog.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/sperm-1.jpg?w=584)
Sperm Black Abalone Blog
![](https://crosscut.com/sites/default/files/styles/max_992x992/public/images/articles/pintoalolone_hero.jpg?itok=OmWRRhMv)
Why it wasn't enough to just leave the pinto abalone alone
![](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/goskagit.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/57/c57f6f7c-9de2-11ed-96d0-63ee19f13032/63d32a3200949.image.jpg?resize=764%2C500)
Chance of survival is looking good for Washington's only abalone, Marine Biology
![](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/s3/dam-migration/pinto-abalone-uofwa.jpg)
Pinto Abalone NOAA Fisheries
![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61ccfa39c71869596f793cb2/ea9378bd-e8fb-410f-a6e2-b4a6df4978f5/image-asset+%282%29.jpeg)
Scuba Diving for White Abalone — Oriana Poindexter
![](https://crosscut.com/sites/default/files/styles/max_2600x2600/public/images/pintoabalone_gll_in-text-006.jpeg?itok=4zNcuvDQ)
Photo Essay, The quest to help tiny abalone survive
![](https://www.biographic.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/UrchinBarren_OneNT_HG_LynnLee_M0011760-1.jpg)
Restoring Harmony in Haida Gwaii - bioGraphic