An updated analysis of abalone poaching in South Africa

Psillos, Natalie

An updated analysis of abalone poaching in South Africa

Thesis / Dissertation

2026

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Biological Sciences

Faculty

Faculty of Science

Abstract

Building on previous research conducted by TRAFFIC, over the period 2000 to 2016, this study provides an updated analysis of abalone (Haliotis midae) poaching and illegal trade in South Africa from 2016 to 2023. Using quantitative trade data and qualitative stakeholder data provided by interviews, the current study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, shifts in enforcement priorities and changes in market demand on the illegal trade of abalone in South Africa. Key findings show that from 2017 to 2023, an estimated 78.5 million individual abalone were illegally harvested, with 16.9 million individuals poached in 2018 alone. Persistent discrepancy between legal production and global imports were noted, with around ≈ 66% of traded abalone likely originating from illegal sources in 2023. Legally harvested abalone generally accounted for < 6% of the total harvest, while an overwhelming 94% emanates from estimated poached abalone. Interviews with stakeholders revealed that poaching activities have expanded into new geographic areas, particularly the Eastern Cape, with a shift towards harvesting undersized specimens. Of the total abalone exported to Hong Kong between 2017 and 2023, 38% originated from non-abalone producing countries in sub-Saharan Africa including Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. While the national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic did result in a reduction in the extent of illegal harvesting of abalone, levels of poaching rapidly returned to pre-COVID levels. The estimated annual poached abalone biomass from 2017 to 2023 was 3798 tonnes with an estimated at a value of USD 324 million. The total monetary value of the poached abalone from 2000 to 2023 was estimated at USD 1,2 billion. The responses from a variety of stakeholders highlighted the complex interplay of socio-economic factors (poverty and unemployment), organised crime syndicates and governance issues such as corruption, lack of capacity and resources which facilitate the abalone crisis. This study provides critical insights to inform future conservation efforts and policy decision. Furthermore, through information gathered from stakeholder interviews, there is a recurring emphasis on the need for more effective, multipronged and coordinated responses to combat the illegal wildlife trade and address the persistent issue driving abalone poaching in South Africa.

Keywords

abalone

poaching

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