Abalone Fishery

In South Australia, two species of abalone are harvested on a commercial basis:

  • greenlip abalone, Haliotis laevigata
  • blacklip abalone, Haliotis rubra.

There are three Abalone Fisheries divided into the following zones:

  • the Western Zone Abalone Fishery covering the coastal waters west of the meridian of longitude 136°30'E
  • the Central Zone Abalone Fishery covering the coastal waters between the meridians of longitude 136°30'E and 139°E but not including the waters of the Coorong or any other waters inside the Murray Mouth
  • the Southern Zone Abalone Fishery covering the coastal waters east of the meridian of longitude 139°E but not including the waters of the Coorong or any otehr waters inside the Murray Mouth.

There are currently no new licences available for commercial fishing for any of the abalone fisheries.

Greenlip and blacklip abalone are also harvested by recreational fishers and other users. Catch limits including bag and boat limits and size limits apply to recreational catches. Recreational fishers are not allowed to sell their catch.

Abalone Virus
Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis can cause high mortalities in both aquaculture and wild fisheries. The virus has not been found in South Australia, although the disease is currently in Victoria. PIRSA is managing to ensure that the disease is not introduced into our waters, and have a well prepared response strategy if it is. More information on the abalone virus