Abalone, or perlemoen, is a shellfish delicacy but stocks are currently severely threatened by illegal fishing. The creature – an edible sea-snail – is also known as muttonfish in Australia and ormer in Britain. The meat, if one can call it that, of this gastropod is much sought-after. Legally harvested abalone can sell for as much R650/kilogram in the markets and restaurant mark-ups can be astonishing. Unfortunately for this benighted creature, its shell is also very attractive. The poorer communities on the West Coast are almost totally dependent on fishing and the poaching of abalone severely threatens the sustainability of these populations. Be careful what you buy!