Is paua only found in NZ?

What are they like? New Zealand’s päua, (known as abalone in other countries), are all unique species of abalone found only in New Zealand, and are distinguished by their brilliantly coloured shells. Päua have an oval shaped shell, inside which is a large muscular foot which clings to rocks.

Why is paua so expensive?

There is high demand on the worldwide market as decline in wild stocks due to over-fishing and poaching means that the global market for abalone is greatly under supplied.

Are paua good for you?

Paua/abalone is low in fat and a good source of omega 3, iodine and phosphorous (phosphate). Omega 3 contains anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce the risk of heart disease and arthritis symptoms and are believed to reduce the risk of developing cancers.

Is paua a shellfish?

By any measure, paua are a pretty special shellfish, but they are hardly unique to New Zealand. Certainly, our main species, the black-footed paua, Haliotis iris, is found only around our shores, but it is closely allied to many similar species of marine snail collectively called abalone.

Where is paua shell found?

New Zealand
Where can paua be found? Pauas live around the rocky coasts of New Zealand and are found at or below the level of the lowest spring tide, that is, at a depth of between one and 12 metres. Much of the paua used for gem purposes are wild-caught, under licence and to extremely strict quota.

Are abalone and paua the same?

Pāua and abalone are both common names for species of Haliotis. Abalone is a more generalized American name for all Haliotis species. Pāua is the common name for the New Zealand species Haliotis iris.

Is paua Shell rare?

So, what exactly are Paua shells? Because these shells are only found in this one area of the world, Pāua are both rare and much sought after.

Is abalone the same as paua?

Is abalone good for your health?

Abalone has been found to contain bioactive compounds that exhibit anti-oxidant, anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-cancer activities (Sulaeria et al, 2017). So, pamper yourself today with the goodness of our Ocean Grown Abalone.

Does abalone have healing properties?

Healing Energies Using Abalone generates a feeling of peace, calm and being “right” with Nature. It has the ability to off load worries and cares, and transform negative energy into a positive uplifting mood.

What is Paua seafood?

The rough, flat, oval shells have an opalescent mother-of-pearl (nacre) interior, which makes them popular decorative items; New Zealand’s beautiful Paua is a type of Abalone.

Why is Abalone illegal?

The illegal trade of Abalone has exploded in recent years in South Africa. This is likely due to the unique social-economic circumstances that still occur 25 years post-apartheid. The abalone underworld is run by large and very well organised Chinese criminal groups in collaboration with local street gangs.

Where are Paua farms located in the world?

Pāua is also incorrectly called “Sea Opal” in the United States and Australia. Pāua aquaculture is a growing industry in New Zealand. The industry was started in New Zealand in the 1980s and to date there are 14 pāua farms operating which are located throughout New Zealand, from Whangarei to Stewart Island.

How much does paua cost in New Zealand?

Given Asia’s present financial woes, I can’t imagine too many queuing up for paua at that price. But even in New Zealand, restaurants pay $90 a kilogram for paua, and frozen paua at that.

What are paua shells used for in New Zealand?

The pāua is iconic in New Zealand: its black muscular foot is considered a delicacy, and the shell is frequently used in jewellery. Highly polished New Zealand pāua shells are extremely popular as souvenirs with their striking blue, green, and purple iridescence. Empty shells are often used as ashtrays.

How big does a paua have to be to be legal?

For recreational fishermen this is ten pāua per person per day. The minimum legal size for caught pāua is 125 mm for Haliotis iris and 80 mm for Haliotis australis, measured in a straight line at the greatest length of the shell.