ORMer

Ormer is the common name used in parts of the British Isles, especially Cornwall, for abalones, edible marine gastropods in the family Haliotidae. Abalones are recognized by their flattened, ear-shaped shells with a row of respiratory pores along one edge and a bright, pearly interior. The animal has a strong muscular foot and feeds primarily on algae.

Ormers inhabit temperate rocky shores and shallow subtidal zones, often in crevices or tide pools where they cling to rocks. They are herbivorous grazers, consuming encrusting algae and other biofilms. Reproduction occurs by broadcast spawning, with eggs and sperm released into the water for external fertilization.

The term ormer is used for abalones found in European waters, including Atlantic coasts around Britain and Brittany, though abalones occur in many oceans worldwide and comprise numerous species. In the United Kingdom, ormer populations are relatively localized and commonly managed through regulations to support sustainable harvesting.

Culturally, ormers have been a traditional coastal food, particularly in Cornwall, where seasonal harvesting is part of local heritage. Fresh ormer meat is prized for its tender texture and can be prepared by steaming, sautéing, or grilling, among other methods.

Conservation and management of abalone populations vary by region and species. Global concerns about overfishing, habitat degradation, and disease have led to regulated fisheries, quotas, size limits, and protected areas in many parts of the world to sustain wild populations and trade.