Roe's Abalone
Haliotis roei
Also known as: Roe's Ear Shell, Small Abalone
Regulations & Limits
Most Accessible Abalone
Roe's abalone are the smallest WA species with a higher bag limit of 20 and smaller size limit (60mm). Found in shallower water, making them the most accessible for beginners.
West Coast has timed 1-hour fishing sessions
Always verify current rules and session times at rules.fish.wa.gov.au
Size
| Legal Min | 60mm shell width |
| Typical Size | 60-80mm |
| Max Size | 100mm |
Much smaller than greenlip/brownlip. Easier to find legal size.
Habitat & ID
Where: Intertidal and shallow subtidal reef, rock platforms
Depth: 0-10m (often in rock pools and very shallow)
Key ID: Small size. Reddish-brown shell with irregular shape. Often found in clusters. Green-tinged inside shell.
Season (Southern Zone)
Season: October 1 to May 15 (Southern Zone). West Coast has specific 1-hour timed sessions - check DPIRD.
How to Collect Roe's Abalone
Shallow water snorkelling or even wading in rock pools. Great for beginners.
Equipment
Essential Gear
- Mask & snorkel (minimum)
- Small abalone iron/screwdriver
- Catch bag
- 60mm measuring gauge
- Wetsuit boots (reef protection)
Optional
- Fins (for deeper water)
- Wetsuit (comfort)
- Gloves (protection)
Where & How
Finding Them
- Rock platforms at low tide
- Under ledges and in crevices
- Kelp-covered reef
- Often in small groups
Technique
- Check rock pools at low tide
- Measure before removing
- Quick slide under foot
- Leave undersize on reef
Beginner Friendly
Roe's abalone are perfect for first-time abalone collectors. Found in very shallow water, often accessible just by wading. The 60mm size limit means more specimens are legal compared to greenlip/brownlip.
Eating Quality
Flesh: Tender, sweet, slightly less firm than larger species
Best cooked: Pan-fried quickly, in pasta, crumbed
Note: Smaller but tender. Less tenderising needed than larger species.
đ¤ŋ The Dive
Often doesn't require proper diving - many Roe's abalone can be found in rock pools and very shallow water at low tide. Perfect introduction to abalone collecting. Still need licence and correct measuring gauge.
Where in WA
Regions: South Coast, West Coast
Best Areas: Rocky coastlines from Perth south, Busselton, Margaret River, Esperance
Metro Access: Available around Perth metropolitan coastline