Abalone fishing is one of the most popular water sports in Western Australia, often attracting many Asian immigrants. (photo by Sydney Morning Herald)
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, abalone fishing is one of the most popular water sports in Western Australia, with more than 16,000 entertainment permits issued each year.
Although there are plenty of seafood enthusiasts on beaches during the four-day fishing season each summer, Asian migrants are especially popular. So why is abalone so attractive to Chinese people?
Chen Li (Li Chen, a researcher at (ECU) University of Eddie Scoven, says abalone stands for health, wealth and fun.
She pointed out that abalone is the wealth of nature and a bridge between Chinese memory of the motherland and Australian nature.
In China, mainland, abalone is usually associated with power and wealth. But Chinese immigrants to Perth also associate abalone fishing with health, entertainment, emotional life and new life experiences.
Early Chinese immigrants recalled their hometowns through gourmet food. Today's young immigrants are experiencing the pleasures of a new life and a new environment.
In China, abalone is a relatively expensive food, fewer wild species, so the Chinese will think that if we can catch wild abalone, it will lead to a better life.
Every time they catch abalone, most young people post photos on social media showing their relatives and friends in China about fishing, coastal landscapes and even gourmet cooking.
In addition, Chinese people like abalone, as well as chef cooking skills factors.
In Chinese restaurants, the traditional Chinese abalone juice often combines the taste of chicken, duck, dried shellfish, ham and other ingredients, adding personal recipes to some chefs, Chen Li said. The Chinese who come to Perth will try some simple local cooking methods, such as barbecue or sashimi.
At present, the annual fishing time for abalone in Western Australia is limited to 4 days and is limited in terms of daily fishing time as well as fishing quantity. These restrictions are also supported by the Chinese community. Chen Li said the Chinese community is increasingly aware of the importance of environmental protection and natural resource protection.
Finally, foodies note that this summer's fishing time for abalone is December 8, January 12, February 2 and February 6 next year.