Whanau are not the only ones interested in the paua population, so are poachers.
The New Zealand Defence Force caught six groups taking paua illegally along Hawke's Bay coastline at the end of last month.
A team combined from the Royal New Zealand Air Force and the Ministry of Primary Industries completed patrols along Akitio right through to Mahia Peninsula, covering off 300km of coastline.
"Several individuals appeared to be flouting the paua regulations so MPI was very happy that we were able to catch them in the act," said aircraft captain Flight Lieutenant Sam Estall.
Their efforts will hopefully lead to three prosecutions and five infringement notices have been issued.