There is an extensive global black market in the collection and export
of abalone meat. In New Zealand, where abalone is called paua in the
Maori language, this can be a particularly awkward problem where the
right to harvest paua can be granted legally under Maori customary
rights. When such permits to harvest are abused, it is frequently difficult
to police. The legal recreational daily limit is 10 paua per diver
with a minimum shell length of 125 mm. The limit is strictly enforced
by roving Ministry of Fisheries officers with the backing of the Police
force. Paua 'poaching' is a major industry in New Zealand with many
thousands being taken illegally, often undersized. Convictions have
resulted in seizure of diving gear, boats and motor vehicles as well
as fines and in rare cases; imprisonment. The Ministry of Fisheries
expects in the year 2004/05, nearly 1000 tons of paua will be poached,
with 75% of that being undersized.
Highly polished New Zealand paua shells are extremely popular as souvenirs
with their striking blue, green and purple iridescence. Transporting
unprocessed abalone shells out of New Zealand is illegal.