Our Paua

PAUA - HALIOTIS IRIS

New Zealand Abalone - Paua

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

OCEAN SHELL STUDIOS

Our Range

Ocean Shell Studios is a New Zealand-based studio renowned for its commitment to sustainably sourced pāua shell. With a deep respect for the marine environment, they transform wild-harvested New Zealand pāua (abalone) into exquisite art pieces, jewellery, and home décor.

Each shell is hand-selected for its vibrant iridescence and natural beauty, reflecting the unique oceanic landscapes of Aotearoa. From raw shells to finely crafted products, Ocean Shell Studios celebrates the natural brilliance of pāua through ethical craftsmanship and innovative design.

SHOP SUSTAINABLE

Supporting Sustainability

By choosing Ocean Shell, you’re supporting a proudly New Zealand-owned business committed to sustainable practices and local craftsmanship. Our pāua is ethically sourced from managed fisheries and upcycled materials, ensuring minimal environmental impact while celebrating the unique beauty of Aotearoa’s marine treasures. Every purchase helps preserve this natural resource for future generations and supports skilled local artisans who transform shell into meaningful pieces of jewellery, décor, and design.

Have a question about our products? We would LOVE to help!

Our commitment to future generations.

Peace of Mind Purchasing

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

Ocean Shell Studios 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, 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 manufacturing giftware, jewellery, crafting products and more; ensuring minimal waste. Ocean Shell Studios 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.