California just added three new members to its official state symbols family, and they’re a little out of the ordinary! Before September ended, the governor signed off on the new bills, officially naming the Dungeness crab, banana slug, and black abalone shell as state symbols.
Assemblymember Diane Dixon from Newport Beach introduced the bill which crowns the black abalone shell as California’s state seashell. This little snail has a big history, especially with Native American tribes in Southern California, who have used it for trading and ceremonial purposes for thousands of years.
The Dungeness crab, is now the state’s official crustacean, thanks to Assemblymember Jim Wood of Ukiah. The Dungeness crab plays a key role in California’s coastal economies and commercial fishing industry.
Lastly, California now has an official state slug, thanks to Santa Cruz Assemblymember Gail Pellerin. The banana slug gets its moment in the spotlight as a symbol of California’s biodiversity. Not only is it the mascot of UC Santa Cruz, but it also highlights the state’s rich ecosystem.
While the new state symbols might seem like just a fun bit of trivia, there’s more behind them. The black abalone has been on the endangered species list since 2009, facing threats like overfishing and disease. Lawmakers hope that highlighting its importance will bring more awareness to its struggles. The Dungeness crab, on the other hand, is already a powerhouse in California’s economy, and this new title highlights its value to the state. As for the banana slug, it’s a symbol of California’s rich and diverse ecosystem—a reminder that every species has its place.
