Abalone are shellfish found in kelp forests in ocean waters along most continents and around the southern coast of South Africa. The large mollusks play an essential “engineering” role by grazing on plants and keeping kelp forests, which support many other species, in good condition.

Why is it illegal to have abalone?

Illegal to take abalone

Numbers of abalone are now at critically low levels because of over-exploitation. Poaching is the biggest threat to abalone. People in local communities are either paid money or given drugs by large syndicates to illegally remove abalone from the ocean. The abalone is then exported overseas.

Why is abalone so expensive?

The dramatically high cost of abalone comes from its rarity and the difficulty experienced in obtaining it. It's a kind of sea snail, and each one must be gathered by hand from the ocean. The cost is also driven up by the label of luxury attached to it, like Wagyu beef or caviar.