Abalone

Abulon, Aulone, Red Abalone, Green Abalone, Pink Abalone

Awabi

Abalones are found throughout a majority of the world’s temperate oceans, living on nearshore rocky substrates, reefs and crevices. Most North American abalones are endemic to the Pacific coast except for a rare species occurring off the Florida Keys. Abalone is one of the most prized sea delicacies worldwide. These herbivorous marine gastropods have long been utilized as a food source by humans. As a result of over 50 years of heavy fishing (sport and commercial), poaching, pollution of mainland habitat, disease, and inadequate wild stock management, many wild stocks are now depleted.

Development of abalone cultivation has grown rapidly and it is now widespread in many countries including USA, Mexico, South Africa, Australia, Japan, China, Taiwan, Ireland, Iceland and others.

In aquaculture operations, kelp is generally used as feed although alternative items are under research in areas without access to fresh kelp. Researchers are working to develop artificial feeds to reduce dependence on harvested kelp. Monterrey Bay National Marine Sanctuary states, “no significant negative impacts on the kelp forest community have been attributed to kelp harvesting”. Brood stock is usually obtained seed farmed populations. Overall this factor is a low conservation concern.

The red abalone comprises 95% of total U.S. production, followed by green and pink abalones. These three species are all native and wild stocks are depleted. Risk of escapes is a low conservation concern.

Disease is a factor requiring continuous monitoring, which is conducted by state and federal agencies. In the past, industry has encountered setbacks from an introduced pest and a native disease, but through eradication,research and regulation, these are mostly under control Opponents to abalone farming fear propagation of these and other diseases will lead to even further decline in wild populations, as abalone are farmed either in the ocean or via sea-water circulating systems. This factor is a low conservation concern.

The grow-out of abalone is accomplished in a fairly natural environment, thus there is typically a beneficial effect on water quality in the culture area. This factor is a low conservation concern.

Abalone farming is a highly regulated, well-managed industry. Management is a low conservation concern.

Is it farmed or wild? (Most wild stocks are depleted)

Adults and children should limit to one meal a week since contaminant levels for this fish aren’t known.

No.