Our Paua
FIORDLAND SOUVENIRS
New Zealand Paua Shell
Discover the natural beauty of Paua Shell (Haliotis Iris) from the pristine waters of New Zealand. Paua has evolved for over 200 millions years from primitive ancient sea snails.
Did you know? The New Zealand Abalone ‘Paua’ fisheries are still in great shape thanks to strictly enforced quota limits for all the commercial Paua divers. Our country is regarded with envy by many coastal nations where abalone fisheries have collapsed, mainly due to habitat loss and overfishing.
Paua is ‘Taonga’ to the Maori culture. Its high value as a food source, and its unique beauty for insertion in jewellery and wood art, have long been treasured by our indigenous populations
FIORDLAND SOUVENIRS
Our Range
Our Paua Shell Jewellery collection & Natural Shells are part of our Fiordland Souvenirs range. These shells showcase the iridescent blues, greens, and purples unique to New Zealand’s abalone. The Chatham Islands and Stewart Island Paua have the most vivid rainbow-like displays, a distinction mostly attributed to colder waters.
Ethically sourced and masterfully crafted, these stunning pieces reflect our commitment to sustainability and quality. Perfect as a thoughtful gift or keepsake, our Paua Shell products celebrate the rich marine heritage of New Zealand's South Island.
Peace of Mind Purchasing
Our commitment to future generations.
1. Adherence to Quota Management System (QMS)
New Zealand operates a world-leading Quota Management System for Paua harvesting. Commercial Paua divers are allocated specific quotas, limiting the amount they can collect annually. This ensures that harvesting does not exceed sustainable levels and allows Paua populations to regenerate naturally.
2. Size Limits and Protection of Juveniles
Strict size limits are in place to protect juvenile Paua and ensure they reach reproductive maturity before being harvested. The minimum legal size for Paua shells ensures that only mature individuals are collected, supporting population growth.
3. No Use of Underwater Breathing Apparatus
Divers harvesting Paua are prohibited from using underwater breathing apparatus (such as scuba gear). This restriction helps to limit the depth and time divers can spend harvesting, thereby naturally capping the amount of Paua they can collect in a single dive.
4. Selective Hand-Gathering
Paua shells are harvested by hand, without the use of damaging tools or methods. This selective process minimizes disturbance to the surrounding marine environment, preserving the delicate ecosystems where Paua thrive.
5. Marine Protected Areas
Certain areas, including marine reserves and customary fishing zones, are off-limits to Paua harvesting. These protected areas serve as sanctuaries where Paua populations can flourish undisturbed, contributing to the overall health of the species.
6. Cultural and Customary Practices
Māori communities, as kaitiaki (guardians) of the marine environment, play a significant role in Paua conservation. Customary fishing rights are respected, and traditional knowledge is incorporated into modern management practices. This ensures that Paua harvesting aligns with cultural values and sustainability goals.
7. Traceability and Certification
OSS is a licensed MPI packhouse for Paua shell with traceability of all shell back to the fishermen/divers who are harvesting with GPS data loggers on their backs when diving. So harvesting pressure in all harvesting areas is monitored and controlled with quota or license limits. If necessary to reduce harvest pressure areas are subdivided to spread or reduce fishing in areas under pressure.
8. Focus on Shell Utilisation
When Paua is harvested for its meat, the shells - a byproduct - are utilised in crafting giftware and jewellery, ensuring minimal waste. Ocean Shell Studios & Fiordland Souvenirs follow the harvesting regulations and focus on repurposing these beautiful shells and reduce environmental impact.
By combining traditional knowledge, modern science, and stringent regulations, Paua harvesting in New Zealand exemplifies a sustainable and ethical approach that protects this valuable and beautiful resource for future generations to enjoy.
