(Haliotis tuberculata) The Ormer, a gastroped mollusc has always been a great delicacy in Guernsey. It often grows to four inches in length and from two to three inches wide. It is found clinging to the under surface of rocks in the lowest tide zones. Gathering the molluscs  when the tides are favourable is still considered by many local shore-gatherers as an enjoyable pastime though nowadays they tend to get very meagre catches. A century ago the searcher would often return home laden with several hundreds of Ormers and their catches could supply wholesome meals for the family for several days, with enough left to pickle which would last the whole year round. 

The catches are now closely monitored by the Guernsey Sea Fisheries Committee and any Ormers considered undersized have to be returned to the sea, it is not permitted to deep sea dive for them. The gatherer will often wade up to his neck in icy cold waters to turn boulders under which Ormers may be clinging. The mollusc is then eased off the rock with a large ormering hook .

Back