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Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed three bills that establish new state symbols for California. The Dungeness crab has been designated as the state crustacean, the banana slug as the state slug, and the black abalone as the state seashell.
Governor Newsom emphasized California's biodiversity in his statement: "California has some of the most biodiverse environments in the world – with over 5,500 plants, animals, and other life forms. From the majestic California redwood down to the delicate California quail, every organism matters here – and it’s time we celebrated our less cuddly friends before they get too crabby. The Dungeness crab, the banana slug, and the black abalone each bring much to our state and are well deserving of this recognition."
Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg) introduced AB 1797 to recognize the Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) as California's official state crustacean. This species is one of California's oldest commercial fisheries and has been regulated by legislation since 1895.
AB 1850 by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz) designates the banana slug (Ariolimax) as the state's official slug. The banana slug plays a significant role in redwood forest ecosystems by consuming plants that compete with redwood seedlings. UC Santa Cruz has also adopted this creature as its mascot.
The shell of the black abalone (Haliotis cracherodii) has been named California's official state seashell through AB 2504, introduced by Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach). Known for its iridescent interior made of nacre or mother-of-pearl, black abalone shells have historical significance among coastal Native American tribes.
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