Welcome to Eastern Zone Abalone Industry Association Inc (EZAIA)

Eastern Zone Abalone Fishery – History and Heritage

The Eastern Zone abalone fishery is proud of its rich history and heritage. Established in the early 1960s, the fishery was built by pioneers drawn to the remote, rugged and pristine coastline of Mallacoota. While the region offered abundant seafood, it also presented significant challenges and risks.

Life for early divers was far from easy. The isolation made it difficult to sustain family life, and they operated without the benefits of modern diving equipment or today’s advanced fishing practices. They worked with minimal refrigeration, faced unpredictable and often harsh ocean conditions, and were exposed to significant health risks.

Decompression requirements were not well understood in the early years, and some divers sadly lost their lives. In 1969, a decompression chamber was purchased and, under guidance from doctors in Bairnsdale, was used to treat divers suffering from decompression illness (“the bends”).

The early pioneers were often seen as larrikins by locals. Their fishing methods, by today’s standards, were basic and rudimentary. Yet they were also known as colourful, carefree and fearless individuals—people who embraced both the risks of the job and the camaraderie of the lifestyle.

By 1963, Mallacoota was regarded as the abalone capital of Victoria, with the fishery contributing approximately $600,000 annually to the local economy—a significant sum at the time. It was not until 1972 that electricity was introduced to Mallacoota, marking an important milestone for the community. In that same year, “shark cat” vessels began to be recognised as some of the safest and most reliable boats for abalone diving operations.

Over the decades, the fishery has faced a range of challenges, including ongoing illegal poaching, which remains an issue today. The industry has also undergone significant reform, including the restructuring of the fishery into three distinct management zones across Victoria. It is now a limited-entry fishery, with just 23 licence holders operating in the Mallacoota region.

Today, the fishery is regulated by the Victorian Fisheries Authority and operates under a robust, science-based management framework. Each year, a stock assessment workshop is conducted to determine the Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) for the following season, in consultation with quota owners, divers, scientists and fisheries managers.

Historical information and dates referenced in this section are drawn from Head Down Bum Up: The First 22 Years 1963–1985, compiled by Fred and Heidi Ledwell.