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More abalone if fishery approved

Catch of the day: Abalone diver David Sutcliffe. Picture: Ian Munro/The West Australian

They're expensive, highly desirable and dangerous to catch.

Abalone are the $40,000 a tonne diamonds of the ocean and WA seafood lovers may soon be able to buy more of them at their local fishmonger.

The large green-lip abalone has been available domestically in small amounts since the 1960s but with 70 per cent of the catch flown to the lucrative Chinese and Hong Kong markets, retail supplies of fresh abalone have remained difficult to find in WA.

The popular, smaller Roe's abalone has previously not been available for retail buyers.

"We have proved that the WA Roe's fishery is sustainable and well-managed," Abalone Industry Association chief executive Nathan Adams said.

"Domestic supply of Roe's could get quite large because of its long-term sustainability."

Mr Adams says he expects more of the highly prized Roe's species to become available once the WA fishery gets Marine Stewardship Council assessment and certification.

"We're in pre-assessment now and if we proceed, full certification takes about 12 to 18 months."

The AIA will have a stand at Sunday's Fremantle Seafood Festival, handing out information about where in Perth to buy the prized sea-snail and giving away samples of cooked abalone.

WA food ambassador, chef Don Hancey, will be on stage at the festival with abalone cooking demonstrations.