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Can I collect washed up abalone shells and turn them into jewelery/products to sell?

abalone shells, collection, jewelry

Whole abalone shells MAY NOT be sold, however a person may sell a product made with abalone shells. 

If you plan to make a product to sell:

  • You MAY NOT use a sport harvested abalone shell
  • You MAY collect a wild abalone shell, but CANNOT use a shell of an endangered species (currently black and white abalone are endangered).

You will need to check with the owner and/or entity that manages the beach or area you intend to collect wild abalone shells. When checking with the owner and/or entity you must ensure it is lawful to harvest abalone shells for commercial purposes. Likely a permit or authorization will be required in a State Park or in a Federal National Marine Sanctuary. 

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Updated on Thu, 06 Feb 2025 by amanda.vandiggelen@wildlife.ca.gov