About EZAIA
Representing the people, knowledge and shared commitment behind Victoria's Eastern Zone wild abalone fishery.
EASTERN VICTORIA
Supporting the Eastern Zone Abalone Industry
Representing licence holders, divers and industry members with a shared commitment to sustainable, responsible fisheries management.
The Eastern Zone Abalone Industry Association represents licence holders, divers and industry members operating along Victoria's eastern coastline. EZAIA works with government, researchers and regional partners to support a productive, sustainable and responsibly managed wild-catch abalone fishery.
"Through collaboration and evidence-based stewardship, we ensure the Eastern Zone abalone fishery remains a resilient and economically viable industry for current and future generations."
Our commitment to sustainable fisheries management and environmental protection defines everything we do.
1999
Established
Industry-led association founded to represent and advocate for the Eastern Zone
23
Licensed Operators
From Lakes Entrance to Mallacoota, representing the entire Eastern Zone
60+
Years of Heritage
Wild-catch abalone fishery dating back to the early 1960s
PEOPLE & STEWARDSHIP
Executive Leadership
Helen Burvill
Executive Officer
Helen brings over 37 years of seafood industry expertise, with deep knowledge of fisheries policy, regulatory frameworks, and sustainable management practices. Her leadership ensures EZAIA remains at the forefront of responsible abalone harvesting and industry advocacy.
"Extensive knowledge of industry issues, policies and regulatory challenges."
HERITAGE & COMMUNITY
Generations Connected to the Ocean
A story of deep roots, shared responsibility, and enduring commitment to the marine environment.
The Eastern Zone fishery brings together decades of experience, multigenerational knowledge and a shared responsibility for the future of the marine environment. Many members have worked in the industry for much of their lives and maintain strong connections to Mallacoota, Lakes Entrance and surrounding coastal communities.
This deep connection to place and ocean stewardship defines EZAIA's commitment to sustainable fisheries management and environmental protection.
From Lakes Entrance to Mallacoota, our members represent generations of ocean knowledge, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship.
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
Committee and Members
Executive Leadership
Brendan Wadsworth
Diver
Brendan started as a deckhand and transitioned to commercial diving. He has been abalone diving for over ten years.
Chris Daniel
Secretary
Chris started as a deckhand in 1996 and began diving three years later. He grew up in East Gippsland and lives in Marlo with his family.
Helen Burvill
Executive Officer
37 years in the seafood industry with extensive knowledge of policy, regulatory challenges and fisheries management.
Members
Reinhard Strauss
License holder & Diver
Over 40 years diving for urchins and abalone. Also runs a charter business in Mallacoota.
Grant Shoreland Jnr
Diver
2nd generation abalone diver born and bred in Mallacoota. Owner of Scallywags Restaurant.
Rachel Durham
Accounts
Joined EZAIA in September 2023. Grew up in Mallacoota with strong ties to the abalone industry.
Reuben Cooper Battel
Diver
3rd generation diver. Passionate about keeping the abalone industry sustainable for future generations.
ADAPTATION & RESILIENCE
A Fishery That Continues to Evolve
Victoria's Eastern Zone abalone fishery has adapted over time, responding to environmental, social and economic challenges while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and responsible management.
Market Conditions
Export demand, aquaculture competition, currency fluctuations and rising operating costs.
Changing Demographics
Participation in recreational fishing influencing demand and access patterns.
Biosecurity Risks
Potential for abalone disease and other marine biosecurity threats.
Marine Protected Areas
Establishment of MPAs over traditional fishing grounds.
Sea Urchin Populations
Increasing populations along parts of the eastern coastline.
SKILL & CARE
Responsible Harvesting
Abalone in the Eastern Zone are hand-harvested by highly skilled commercial divers using "hookah" surface-supplied breathing systems. This method allows divers to remain underwater for extended periods while working safely and efficiently.
Every abalone is individually harvested, measured and handled by licensed commercial divers.
Dive Preparation
Diver and deckhand prepare equipment, conduct safety checks and plan the dive operation.
Hand Harvesting
Diver uses a specialised tool to carefully remove abalone from the reef, minimising habitat damage.
Catch Measurement
All abalone are measured to ensure compliance with minimum size gauges per Fisheries Regulations 2019.
Responsible Handling
Catch is carefully collected and secured to minimise damage and ensure product quality.
RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT
Protecting the Fishery
Diver Safety
Abalone diving is a high-risk occupation. Decompression sickness ("the bends") is a primary concern. Strict safety protocols, training and operational discipline are essential to managing these risks.
Ongoing investment in safety equipment and training.
Compliance & Enforcement
Illegal fishing (poaching) poses a significant threat to fishery sustainability. The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) delivers an intelligence-led compliance program targeting serious and organised illegal activity.
Report suspected illegal fishing: 13 FISH (13 3474)
Habitat Restoration
EZAIA and partners have invested in reef restoration and sea urchin management to restore productive marine habitat and support long-term fishery sustainability.
Collaborative science-based management approach.
REEF RESTORATION
Responding to Changing Ocean Conditions
The strengthening East Australian Current has contributed to increasing sea urchin populations along parts of the coastline, leading to "urchin barrens"—areas where grazing has stripped reefs of productive habitat.
Changing Conditions
Ocean temperature shifts and strengthening currents have altered marine ecosystems, creating conditions favourable for sea urchin proliferation along Eastern Victoria's reefs.
Industry Response
EZAIA and industry partners mobilised funding and expertise to implement targeted sea urchin culling and reef restoration programs, demonstrating proactive environmental stewardship.
Habitat Recovery
Over 105 hectares of reef have been restored, with kelp forests and productive marine habitat returning to previously barren areas, supporting long-term fishery sustainability.
500K+
Raised
Industry funding for restoration efforts
105+
Hectares
Reef restored and recovering
Ongoing
Collaboration
VFA & VSUDA partnership
See Reef Restoration in Action
THE FUTURE OF THE FISHERY
Looking Ahead
The Eastern Zone abalone fishery continues to adapt to a changing marine environment while maintaining its commitment to sustainability, productivity and responsible stewardship. Through collaboration between industry, scientists and regulators, the fishery remains well-positioned to meet future challenges.
EVIDENCE & GOVERNANCE
Research and Management Resources
Fisheries Act 1995
Victorian legislation governing commercial and recreational fishing.
View legislation →
Fisheries Regulation 2019
Current regulations governing abalone harvesting and compliance.
View regulations →
Victorian Wild Harvest Abalone Fishery Management Plan
Comprehensive management framework for sustainable abalone fisheries.
Download PDF →
VFA Abalone Fishery Overview
Victorian Fisheries Authority information on abalone management and compliance.
View information →
Reef Restoration at Gunshot Reef, Eastern Victoria
Research report on sea urchin management and reef restoration outcomes.
Download report →
Victoria's Fisheries and Aquaculture: Economic and Social Contributions
UTS research on the economic impact of Victoria's fisheries sector.
View research →
CONNECT WITH US
Connect with EZAIA
Contact us for industry enquiries, research information, stakeholder collaboration, or questions about Victoria's Eastern Zone abalone fishery.
Industry Members
Licensing, compliance, and operational support for commercial operators and licence holders.
Research Partners
Collaboration on fishery science, data analysis, and marine research initiatives.
Government & Stakeholders
Policy development, regulation, and marine management coordination.