Greenlip Abalone
Haliotis laevigata
Also known as: Smooth-lipped Abalone, Green Abalone
Zone 3 Closure (Busselton to Shoal Cape)
Greenlip abalone fishing is CLOSED in the area from Busselton Jetty to Shoal Cape (Zone 3) since October 2023. This closure supports stock recovery.
Greenlip fishing remains open east of Shoal Cape to the SA border.
Regulations & Limits
Combined Bag Limit
Greenlip and Brownlip abalone share a combined daily bag limit of 5. You can take any combination (e.g., 3 greenlip + 2 brownlip, or 5 of either).
Always verify current rules and season dates at rules.fish.wa.gov.au
Size
| Legal Min | 140mm shell width |
| Typical Size | 140-180mm |
| Max Size | 200mm |
Measure across the widest part of the shell. Must be measured before removing from reef.
Habitat & ID
Where: Rocky reefs, limestone platforms, under ledges
Depth: 1-40m (usually 5-20m)
Key ID: Largest WA abalone. Green lip edge around shell opening. Smooth shell surface (vs ribbed brownlip). Row of respiratory holes along shell.
Season (Southern Zone)
Southern Zone Season: October 1 to May 15. West Coast Zone has shorter 1-hour sessions - check DPIRD for exact dates.
How to Collect Greenlip Abalone
Free diving or snorkelling on rocky reefs. No SCUBA allowed for recreational abalone.
Equipment
Essential Gear
- Mask, snorkel, fins
- Wetsuit (water can be cold)
- Abalone iron/lever (flat blade)
- Catch bag (mesh)
- Measuring gauge (140mm)
- Weight belt if needed
Safety
- Dive flag/float
- Buddy system recommended
- Check conditions before diving
- Know your limits
Technique
Finding Them
- Look under ledges and in crevices
- Rocky reef platforms
- Areas with good water flow
- Often in kelp zones
Collecting
- Measure before removing!
- Quick slide of iron under foot
- One smooth motion to detach
- Undersize must be left on reef
- Don't damage the foot
Critical Rules
No SCUBA: Only free diving/snorkelling allowed. Measure on reef: Must measure before removing - undersize survival is poor if detached. Whole only: Must be kept in shell until home.
Eating Quality
Flesh: Firm, sweet, delicate seafood flavour
Best cooked: Thinly sliced and pan-fried quickly, sashimi, crumbed
Note: Don't overcook! Becomes rubbery. Tenderise larger specimens.
đ¤ŋ The Dive
Greenlip abalone diving combines the challenge of free diving with the reward of premium seafood. Success requires good breath-hold skills, knowledge of local reefs, and the ability to quickly identify and measure specimens underwater.
Where in WA
Regions: South Coast (primary), West Coast
Best Areas: Esperance coast, Albany region, Augusta (east of Shoal Cape)
Note: Zone 3 (Busselton-Shoal Cape) currently closed for greenlip