South Australia Abalone

South Australia Abalone

　　Abalone is mainly found in the rugged sea cliffs of South Australia Bay, especially in Luzu of Dongchong, where it is most abundant. The abalone has well-developed meat that is smooth, crisp, tender, and exceptionally nutritious. Since ancient times, it has been regarded as the king among the “Four Delicacies of the Sea.”

　　 　　South Australia Town is one of the largest land-based abalone farming bases in the country. The abalone meat is smooth, crisp, tender, and highly nutritious, and has long been considered a delicacy.

　　 　　Known for its reputation as "for seafood, go to South Australia," South Australia Town boasts long-renowned aquatic resources and is one of the largest land-based abalone farming bases in the nation. Abalone, anciently called "stone fu" or "shi jue ming," and also known as "nine-hole snail," has smooth, crisp, tender meat and is rich in nutrients. Since ancient times, it has been considered the king of the Four Delicacies of the Sea. It offers medicinal benefits such as enriching blood and treating eye diseases, nourishing yin and kidney, beautifying the skin, soothing the spirit, and regulating blood pressure. Its shell is ear-shaped, thick and hard, with a very small spiral part, mostly greenish-brown in color, and the inner shell has a pearl-like luster. Abalone is primarily found in the crevices of rocks beneath clear waters and lush seaweed in temperate and tropical sea areas, making it extremely difficult to catch. Diving to hook abalone requires keen eyesight, quick reflexes, surprise tactics, and fast action to successfully catch one. This difficulty has contributed to its high value and popularity among seafood lovers.

　　 　　“South Australia abalone and Guanhu abalone are delicious and are well-known local specialties of Shenzhen,” said an expert from the Shenzhen Aquatic Products Association. It is understood that currently, “South Australia Abalone” and “Guanhu Abalone” have established strong brands in the Shenzhen market, enjoying great renown. These two brands of abalone have an annual production of over 300 tons, accounting for more than 80% of Longgang District’s annual yield, making them both highly popular and prestigious.

　　 　　Since ancient times, China has ranked abalone as the top of the “Eight Treasures of the Sea.” In recent years, with the decline in natural abalone yields, artificial farming has developed rapidly. The eastern part of Longgang District is a major abalone farming base in Shenzhen, currently hosting 10 abalone farming households.

　　 　　The sea area of Longgang District covers approximately 440 square kilometers, including 764 hectares of marine aquaculture area. The main species farmed are wrinkled disc abalone and variegated abalone, using methods such as factory farming, raft culture, and intertidal pond farming. After years of effort, Longgang District's aquaculture industry, especially factory-based abalone farming, has begun to take shape. The district produces 490 tons of abalone annually, ranking second in the province after Shanwei and becoming an important abalone production base in southern China.

　　 　　Nowadays, many residents of Shenzhen know that “for seafood, go to South Australia.” Nanao Subdistrict in Longgang District is also one of the largest land-based abalone farming bases in the country. Additionally, Guanhu Community in Kuichong Subdistrict, with its rocky shores, clear waters, high salinity, and abundant seaweed, has since ancient times been a natural breeding ground for sea urchins and wild abalone. Making full use of its mountain-and-sea advantages, Guanhu Community has explored modern marine aquaculture and developed into a well-known “specialized abalone farming village,” making “Guanhu Abalone” a locally famous brand. After nearly a decade of development, the Guanhu Abalone Farm has grown into a sizable enterprise. Currently, the farm covers 50 acres with an annual production capacity of 100 tons. The Guanhu Abalone Farm has also been certified as a pollution-free aquatic product base in Guangdong Province and has passed the certification of Shenzhen’s major agricultural product bases.