The blacklip abalone (*Haliotis rubra*) is a highly prized marine gastropod native to the rocky coastal waters of southern Australia, recognized for its distinctive dark-edged shell and succulent flesh. This species supports a lucrative commercial fishery, with Australia being the world’s leading harvester, particularly in the states of Tasmania, Victoria, and South Australia. The blacklip abalone industry is tightly regulated to ensure sustainability, employing quota systems, size limits, and strict licensing. While Australia dominates global production, small-scale fisheries also exist in New Zealand and, to a lesser extent, South Africa, though these are much less significant in terms of volume. The majority of blacklip abalone is exported live or processed, primarily to Asian markets where it is considered a delicacy.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 1,595 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.