The pearly inside of abalone shells is beautiful and it is easy to understand why these shells are sometimes called “the ears from the sea”.
We are lucky to have an excellent spot for abalones in the rocks down our local beach. As it is autumn spring tide week, we know what will be dinner for tonight. Any commercial exploitation of abalones is forbidden in Brittany : there is no commercial fishing and therefore you cannot find them in stores or in restaurants. However fishing for family consumption is allowed to everyone on foot from the shore, under severe regulation of season, quota and size. This arrangement has effectively guaranteed the preservation of the stocks.
Ahh - unfortunately this is what we used to see in the past - abalones were commercially fished and exploited - and then - to add to the horrible situation - people used to use these lovely shells as ash-trays!!
Love the information, Etienne !