Fisheries Infosite

Paua Southland and Otago (PAU5D)
Maori name
Scientific name
Haliotis iris, H. australis

 

Physical characteristics

Paua have a multi-coloured interior shell. They vary regionally in size.

Life cycle

Paua are broadcast spawners that reach maturity at a length of 93-133 mm.

Habitat

Paua inhabit reefs in shallow subtidal coastal water around New Zealand.

 
Key statistics
Recreational significance High
Customary significance High
Reported commercial catch1 (tonnes)
Quota value estimate2 (NZ$m)
Exports estimate2 (NZ$m)
1 Reported commercial catch is calculated for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025
2 Quota value and exports are calculated pro-rata to reported commercial catch for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025