Myrtle is no ordinary LightHawk passenger. She is one of just 10 wild-origin white abalone living in captivity, making her an important part of the effort to save the species.
LightHawk volunteer pilot Michael Baum flew Myrtle from Long Beach to UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory, where she joined the White Abalone Captive Breeding Program. Traveling by air shortened her journey to just a few hours, reducing the stress and risk associated with a much longer trip by road.
White abalone once played an important role in rocky reef ecosystems from Point Conception, California, to Baja California, Mexico. As grazers, they helped support the diversity and stability of kelp forest habitats. After disease, overharvesting and habitat loss caused their population to decline by more than 99 percent, the species became one of the most endangered marine animals in the United States.
Recovery now depends on a network of specialized facilities working to breed white abalone, maintain genetic diversity and raise young animals for eventual release into the ocean. As one of the few remaining animals born in the wild, Myrtle brings valuable genetic diversity to that effort. Her participation in the breeding program could help strengthen future generations of white abalone and improve the species’ chances of recovery.
Since 2020, LightHawk has provided rapid, coordinated transportation for the White Abalone Recovery Program, moving adults, juveniles, embryos and larvae between facilities across California. These flights allow fragile animals to reach their destinations within narrow biological windows while reducing travel time, stress and risk.
Myrtle’s journey shows why every animal matters in the recovery of a species this close to extinction. We are grateful to Michael for donating his expertise, time, aircraft and fuel to help move this vital recovery effort forward.
Flying over Southern California en route to Bodega Marine Laboratory.
With Myrtle safely secured in a cooler, LightHawk volunteer pilot Michael Baum flies her to the next stop in her recovery journey.
Myrtle is one of just 10 wild-origin white abalone in captivity. Photos by Nora Joy Frank.
Volunteer pilot Michael Baum, copilot Matthew Baum and partner Nora Frank during the flight. Photo provided by Nora Joy Frank.
