At just 30 years old, Margaux Crusot, a marine ecology doctoral graduate from the University of French Polynesia, embodies the future of science in service of the environment.
A recipient of the prestigious L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents award, she stands out for a major innovation set to sustainably transform Polynesia’s pearl farming industry.
For the past five years, the young researcher has focused on a critical challenge: reducing the environmental impact of pearl oyster collection, where traditional methods threaten lagoon ecosystems. For over 40 years, ombrière-style collectors—made of plastic—have been releasing microplastics and toxic compounds, degrading seabeds.
After conducting field studies in the Gambier, Arutua, and Takapoto archipelagos, Margaux Crusot delivered a stark finding: pearl farming generates over 1,600 tons of plastic waste annually. From this diagnosis emerged a groundbreaking solution: the first fully biodegradable spat collectors made from bio-based materials.
Using 3D printing, Margaux developed the first lab prototypes before collaborating with a materials specialist and a Tahitian manufacturer to scale up production. Now patented, this eco-friendly collector has already been deployed in natural environments for testing, laying the groundwork for a tangible shift toward sustainable pearl farming.
Margaux’s innovation goes beyond technology—it represents a paradigm shift for the entire industry. Her ambition? To see these new collectors gradually replace polluting devices, empowering pearl farmers to protect their lagoons while securing their livelihoods.
With this international award, Margaux Crusot gains visibility and credibility. Her project, bridging science, industry, and ecology, reflects a deep commitment to an environmentally respectful future—and cements her status as a pioneer of reinvented pearl farming.
(Note: “Ombrière” refers to shade-structure collectors traditionally used in pearl farming. Retained in italics for technical accuracy.)
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