LONG BEACH, Calif. – For the first time the Aquarium of the Pacific will release White Abalone into the wild.

White Abalone are shellfish that cling to hard surfaces. Dr. Sandy Trautwein was at the aquarium in 2008 when they received a handful of adults to start breeding. Experts have been caring for and spawning the White Abalone ever since.

“Well I think White Abalone are pretty sexy,” said Dr. Trautwein.

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There are eight species of abalone off the California coast. All of the species are protected, but only the White Abalone are federally endangered.

“White abalone are snails and to me they’re so endearing and they have such a great story,” said Dr. Trautwein.

Abalone were plentiful some decades ago, but they were hunted almost off the face of the planet. Releasing them into the wild is a gradual process.

Lobsters, big fish, and octopus prey on White Abalone, so for their first few weeks in the ocean the small creatures are inside a protective case called a safe module. Divers feed them as the netting ensures water and nutrients are the only things to enter.

This month the protective case will be opened and the abalone will be allowed to roam free.

Poachers are also a concern. That is why the aquarium is not giving away the exact locations of the release.

With the help of big players like The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the University of California Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory, a few thousand White Abalone are being released.

Dr. Trautwein hopes this is the first step to prevent extinction.