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Beche De Mer
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Fish & Other Seafood

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Abalone is an edible mollusc.  Endemic to Australia.  It is considered a delicacy.  It has a single, ear-shaped shell lined with mother of pearl.  The foot of the abalone has a distinct black lip that gives this species its name.

Abalone is found along the rocky shores of Australia, south from mid New South Wales down and around to Western Australia.  Abalone in shallow waters averages around 8cm, while shells found in deeper water grow to around 14cm.  Growth rates vary seasonally and with location.  Blacklip abalone can grow to at least 21cm in length. 

Abalone adheres itself to rocks, so a tool called an "abiron" is used to dislodge it.  An abiron is similar to a paint scraper.

Blacklip Abalone graze on seagrass leaves and algae growing on rocks, their diet is dominated by red algae.  They are preyed upon by crabs, starfish, stingrays, wobbegong sharks and possibly rock lobsters.

Also known as Brownlip Abalone.

State regulations set bag limits and minimum size limits for abalone caught by recreational fishers.  In Western Australia abalone may only be taken by divers using snorkelling gear.

Abalone is an important commercial fishery.  Experimental aquaculture is being tested in Tasmania, South Australia and Victoria.

ABALONE RECIPES

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