Watch Abalone Wars

Abalone Wars was a reality television series that premiered on Animal Planet in 2012. The show was set in the stunning coastal region of Tasmania, Australia, where it followed a group of tenacious abalone divers and fishermen as they battled harsh weather conditions, dangerous waters, and each other, to catch the highly prized abalone.

The series was hosted by the charismatic and experienced abalone diver, Andrew Ettingshausen, who provided an expert insight into the world of abalone fishing. Alongside Andrew, the show featured two rival abalone gangs - the "Outlaws," led by Dominic Henderson, and the "Underdogs," led by David Buckland. Both groups of divers were determined to be the top abalone gang in Tasmania, and they quickly became bitter enemies.

The show followed the daily lives of the abalone gangs, from their early morning starts to their late-night finishes. The divers spent hours underwater in the frigid Tasmanian waters, scouring the ocean floor for the elusive abalone that could fetch top dollar at the fish markets. The job was physically demanding, and the divers had to contend with strong currents, rough seas, and hypothermia as they worked.

The Outlaws and Underdogs had a long-standing feud, and tensions between the two groups ran high. The rivalry was fueled by the fact that there were only a limited number of licenses available for abalone diving, and the competition was fierce. The show highlighted the extreme lengths the divers would go to in order to get a hold of the coveted abalone. There were instances of boats being sabotaged, equipment being tampered with, and even physical altercations between the divers.

Alongside the fierce competition between the two gangs, the show also touched on the personal stories of the abalone divers. The series featured the challenges that the divers faced in their personal lives, ranging from family issues to health concerns. The show also highlighted the dangers associated with abalone diving, showcasing the tragedy that can come when things go wrong in this high-stakes industry.

Despite the competition between the two gangs, all of the divers shared a deep respect for the ocean and its natural resources. The show emphasized the importance of sustainable fishing practices, and the divers were shown taking steps to protect the abalone population from overfishing. This included the implementation of catch limits, and the use of eco-friendly fishing practices.

The show's cinematography was breathtaking, showcasing the rugged beauty of Tasmania's coastlines and the vast expanse of the ocean. The underwater footage was particularly impressive, with viewers given a unique perspective of the abalone and its environment.

In summary, Abalone Wars was an exciting and dramatic reality series that provided a unique insight into the world of abalone fishing. The show was full of intense competition, personal stories, and stunning cinematography, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful Tasmanian coastline.

Abalone Wars is a series that ran for 5 seasons (16 episodes) between November 7, 2012 and on Animal Planet