The next day we head off on a bus trip to Akaroa to see the abalones in their growing environment. The scenery is breathtaking as Akaroa comes into view.
Roger escorts the first group to the boat. Because there are 27 of us, we have to go in three groups. After a cold boat ride, we arrive at the water-based operation in Akaroa Bay. Here the first bucket of young abalone is brought up for inspection.
And here is what they look like, attached to the side when they aren’t eating their seaweed cocktail.
Roger pops one off to give us a look at the underside. Yes, it’s done with a non-stick spatula!
Because Abalone are hemophiliacs, they have to be handled very carefully. That’s why you’ll never see a whole cultured pearl from a Paua shell. Roger gently pushes back the Abalone to reveal the pearls in progress.
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