Abalone Harvest on Target for Increased Demand

Australian Bight Abalone (ABA) Chief executive Andrew Ferguson said growth has exceeded all expectations.

The company began its first harvest on 31 January from leases near Elliston. and from now until late July, ABA divers are expected to harvest about 100 tonnes of the shellfish.

A bountiful harvest of Abalone is underway in South Australia

Reports in the Port Lincoln News say that production to meet demand ahead of Chinese New Year celebrations in China and Taiwan this month and the Olympic Games in Beijing in August is on target.

Most of ABA's abalone harvested this season is from its 2005 crop. They are at least 105mm in size with some up to 130mm - so a very good size.

Elliston's bountiful harvest is being attributed to the pristine condition of the oceans around Waldergrave Island. ABA leases about 100 hectares in this area and also uses a patented Abalone Aquafarm system. This allows farmed abalone to grow in wild fishery conditions and inspections by ABA biologists and independent veterinarianS say the general health and appearance of the abalone is excellent.

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