Introduction: Last night’s presentation by Ann Vileisis, author of ”Abalone” and NancyCaruso “The Kelp Lady” left our community buzzing with excitement. As we gathered at the Suzi Q Community Center, we embarked on a captivating journey through the history, life, and future of abalone. It was a delightful and eye-opening experience that reminded us of the importance of preserving our marine ecosystems. Let’s take a light and joyful dive into the highlights of this remarkable event.

1. The Forgotten Tales of Abalone: Ann Vileisis skillfully brought the history of abalone back to life, uncovering its significance as a cherished food source for indigenous communities and its popularity in the early 20th century. We were transported millions of years back in time as we learned about the close bond between humans and abalone, appreciating the cultural and ecological connections this fascinating mollusk offers.

2. A Fragile Dance: Exploring Abalone’s Life: Ann’s storytelling through her book “Abalone” took us on a journey through the centuries-old and mesmerizing life cycle of abalone. We marveled at their past regenerative abilities and learned about the challenges they face today due to overfishing. It was an eye-opening reminder of the delicate nature of these creatures and the importance of our conservation efforts to reestablish their continued existence.

3. Nancy Caruso’s Insights: The Kelp Lady’s Wisdom: Nancy Caruso, fondly known as “the Kelp Lady” shared her deep understanding of our local marine life. We discovered the intricate relationship between kelp, sea temperature, disease, symbiosis, and the overall sustainability of our intertidal zones. Nancy’s passion for restoring kelp forests, the reintroduction of the black abalone, and protecting coastal ecosystems left us inspired and eager to take action.

4. Lightness and the Weight of Responsibility: While we reveled in the lighthearted anecdotes and fascinating facts, the event also reminded us of the urgency and responsibility we bear as stewards of our oceans. The choices we make, both individually and as a community, can have a profound impact on the future of our marine environments. It’s a reminder that we can all play a part in preserving the wonders beneath the waves.

Conclusion: The turnout at the Suzi Q Community Center was nothing short of inspiring, demonstrating our community’s shared enthusiasm and commitment to the protection of our marine ecosystem here in our Laguna Beach Marine Protected Area. Appreciation and kudos to Laguna’s Bluebelt Coalition for their support in making this event successful.

For those looking to dive deeper into Ann Vileisis’s work, visit annvileisis.com. There, you can discover more about the captivating world of abalone and explore her other remarkable writings on environmental history.

To stay connected with Nancy Caruso, “the Kelp Lady” and her ongoing efforts to protect coastal ecosystems, be sure to check out getinspiredinc.org. The website offers valuable resources, educational materials, and opportunities to get involved in local initiatives focused on preserving our intertidal zones.

Let’s take the inspiration and knowledge gained from this event and turn it into action. Together, we can make a positive difference in the preservation of our marine life and ensure the enduring beauty and vitality of our oceans.

And a side note: A little verse to pound abs by, written by the bohemian Carmel colony; George Sterling, Mary Austin, Jack London, and Jimmy Hopper……and published on the pages of Cosmopolitan…..sung to the tune of Yankee Doodle Dandy….

“Oh! Some like ham and some like lamb

And some like macaroni;

But bring me in a pail of gin

And a tub of abalone.”