Abalones in Brittany (2)

The outside of the abalones shells is less spectacular than the inside but it works as an effective camouflage on sea rocks.

Recreational fishing of abalones on foot is a strong tradition in Nothern Brittany, and it is an element of the social life in a coastal village like ours. There is virtually no formal control of the fishing regulation : the enforcement is mostly relying on the self discipline of the locals, and this is working quite well, there is no poaching, as we all want to preserve our treasure. We have for example a kind of honor code that any fisherman has to reposition any upturned rock exactly as it was, in order to preserve the abalone habitat. For that reason, we never talk about abalones to the many visitors and tourists who come here on holiday, because we know by experience that some of them would not go by the rules, and one fisherman behaving badly could be enough to destroy a complete natural habitat in a couple of hours.

[amyK]

I like how you composed this shot. How nice to hear about a community working together to preserve a resource.

[Rob Z]

It is so encouraging to hear of a small community working together to preserve both a tradition and a species. I can see how these colours would give such a good camouflage.

[Margo]

Great Macro shot

[Monique]

Beautiful composition
I don’t think I ever had abalone...
So encouraging to read that you’re able to preserve this crustation/ shell within your community

[Louise]

Interesting range of colours on the outside as well