Think of the word ‘ranching’, and images of Texas longhorn cattle stampeding through plumes of dust, cowboys in hot pursuit, are likely to come to mind. But down on Australia’s south-western tip, Brad Adams’ ranch is home to far more docile beasts – underwater snails called greenlip abalone.

Adams grew up in the West Australian town of Augusta, his childhood years filled with diving and fishing. He’s got the long hair and broad shoulders of a surfer, and possibly saltwater in his veins.