History of South Australian Abalone Industry

The South Australian Abalone industry had its beginnings in 1965. Since then the value has steadily increased, largely through good management, to the point where fishing in 2001 generated approximately $40 million. In 1970, licence numbers for the fishery were restricted to 105 and a geographical zone system was introduced.

In 1976 the number of wildcatch licences was reduced to 35, based on the following geographical allocation:

  • Western 23 licences
  • Central 6 licences
  • South Eastern 6 licences
Licences became transferable in 1980 and the cost of buying into the fishery increased rapidly. This caused an escalation in fishing effort which led to concerns of over-fishing. Quotas designed to resolve the problem were introduced in one zone in 1985 and extended to all zones in 1990.
The fishery
The two commercially valuable species of abalone in South Australia are Haliotis laevigata (Greenlip) and Haliotis rubra (Blacklip). The Abalone wild fishery extends from the SA shoreline to about 30m depth and is one of the most ecologically sound fisheries.

Abalone divers operate from small boats using hookah gear (a long hose delivering air to the diver from a deck-mounted compressor), harvesting abalone with a metal blade known as an "abalone iron".

Divers sometimes use protective, self-propelled cages to protect themselves from shark attacks while fishing. The fishing season extends year round.

There is no bycatch, no trawling and, consequently, very little disturbance to the marine habitat. Control is exercised by imposition of a total allowable commercial catch.
Each of the 35 licence holders is issued an individual quota amount and can transfer the quota entitlement to other operators on a yearly basis.
Value to the economy
In South Australia for the 00/01 reporting period, 867 tonne (whole weight) of abalone were harvested with an estimated value of $40,011,000 (the estimated value of the fishery for Australia wide in the same period was $273,350,000). A high-value product, abalone is sold mainly on the international markets.

Exported live, frozen, canned, dried and boiled, 96% of SA's abalone is sent to Japan, China and South East Asia. Of the total Australian export of fisheries products of $2.17 billion, abalone represented 11.5% (Source: Australian Fisheries Statistics 2001).
Pristine Abalone producing waters of Streaky Bay and surrounding areas.