Tahitian Pearls Info

Tahitian Pearls Info - All you need to know about pearl farming in French Polynesia.

Tahitian pearls at the best price

Perles de Tahiti au meilleur prix

Author: Sandrine

  • Critical Assessment of the Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia (TPAFP)

    This evaluation, conducted by the Territorial Audit Court (CTC), highlights major concerns regarding the association’s management, representativeness, and effectiveness in fulfilling its mission to promote Tahitian pearls. Below is a summary of the key findings:

    1. Loss of Members and Lack of Representativeness

    Founded in 2014 following the dissolution of La Maison de la Perle, the TPAFP was intended to unite pearl industry stakeholders and promote Tahitian pearls. However, within its first year, membership dropped from 11 to just 5 organizations, signaling a failure in its core mission. This decline has undermined the association’s credibility and legitimacy among industry professionals.

    2. Governance Failures

    The CTC report identifies serious governance issues:

    • No systematic meeting minutes – Decisions lack proper documentation.
    • Missing agendas – Meetings often lack structure, disrupting operations.
    • Dysfunctional General Assembly – The decision-making body fails to fulfill its role.
    • Statutory non-compliance – Governance rules are frequently ignored, with insufficient conflict-of-interest safeguards, jeopardizing the organization’s integrity.

    3. Poor Financial Management

    The association’s financial practices were heavily criticized:

    • Mismanagement of subsidies – Despite receiving 436 million Fcfp (2014–2019), fund allocation remains unclear.
    • Deficient accounting – No clear internal controls, leading to opaque spending of public funds.
    • Lack of expenditure oversight – Resources are poorly allocated due to weak financial supervision.

    4. Ineffective Promotion Strategy

    The TPAFP’s promotional efforts—both locally and internationally—were deemed inefficient:

    • Uncontrolled foreign association funding – International promotion was outsourced without direct oversight, diluting strategic control.
    • Excessive spending – Non-competitive procurement and inflated costs raised questions about value for money.
    • Unfair local vendor access – Preferential treatment for certain providers cast doubt on transparency in partnerships.

    5. Corrective Measures Proposed

    To address these shortcomings, some reforms were introduced in 2020, including direct partnerships with foreign associations. However, the CTC argues that the TPAFP’s very existence should be reassessed. Key recommendations include:

    • Governance overhaul – Strengthen decision-making transparency.
    • Financial accountability – Implement strict auditing mechanisms.
    • Strategic realignment – Refocus promotion efforts for measurable impact.

    6. Conclusion: A Crucial Crossroads

    The TPAFP stands at a pivotal juncture. Its poor governance, financial mismanagement, and lack of industry trust call into question its ability to effectively promote Tahitian pearls. Urgent reforms are needed to restore credibility and ensure the association can fulfill its role in sustaining Polynesia’s pearl industry.

    Without decisive action, the TPAFP risks becoming obsolete—a costly missed opportunity for a sector vital to French Polynesia’s economy.



    2021-12-01-ctcDownload

  • Environmental Cleanup Operation Led by the Directorate of Marine Resources (DRM)

    This operation marks a significant step in managing pearl farming waste, contributing to the preservation of Polynesian lagoons and establishing sustainable waste management practices for the pearl industry.

    Objectives and Targeted Areas

    Launched in 2021, the initiative focuses on islands where pearl farming waste is most prevalent, including:
    Apataki, Arutua, Ahe, Manihi, Takaroa, Takapoto, Aratika, Kaukura, Fakarava, Raiatea, Tahaa, and Gambier.

    These islands were selected based on two key criteria:

    1. The presence of historical waste from past practices,
    2. Current high pearl farming activity, generating substantial waste.

    Types of Waste Collected

    Pearl farming waste includes various materials used in pearl farms:

    • Ropes,
    • Collectors,
    • Buoys,
    • Protective nets (essential for pearl farming but harmful to the marine environment when discarded).

    Collection and Disposal Methodology

    To ensure efficient waste management, the DRM implemented a structured collection system:

    • “Big bags” were distributed to pearl farmers, who then formed local management committees in collaboration with community associations.
    • Municipalities provided technical and logistical support for waste storage and transport to docks.
    • The government organized the shipment of waste to Tahiti, where it is processed in approved facilities.

    Results and Next Steps

    Between November 2021 and March 2022, the operation successfully collected and treated 1,010 big bags (approximately 1,000 m³ of waste). A major shipment of 574 big bags was recently transported via the vessels Cobia 3 and Mareva Nui.

    Cleanup efforts will continue throughout the year, with Phase 2 focusing on removing waste from lagoons, in addition to land-stored debris. This initiative is part of a broader program to establish sustainable and eco-friendly pearl farming waste management, safeguarding marine ecosystems and reinforcing Polynesia’s reputation as a responsible player in the pearl industry.

    Expected Impact

    This initiative is set to:
    ✔ Reduce the environmental footprint of pearl farming,
    ✔ Improve lagoon health (critical for pearl oyster survival),
    ✔ Raise awareness among farmers about responsible waste management,
    ✔ Strengthen cooperation between local stakeholders, authorities, and communities for shared, sustainable natural resource management.

    By combining environmental cleanup with cross-sector collaboration, this operation serves as a model for marine conservation and supports the long-term viability of Polynesia’s pearl industry.

    Environmental Cleanup Operation Led by the Directorate of Marine Resources (DRM)
    Environmental Cleanup Operation Led by the Directorate of Marine Resources (DRM)
    Environmental Cleanup Operation Led by the Directorate of Marine Resources (DRM)
    Apataki, Arutua, Ahe, Manihi, Takaroa, Takapoto, Aratika, Kaukura, Fakarava, Raiatea, Tahaa, et Gambier

  • Kotuku Fakarava: Turning Pearl Farming Waste into Gold for Agricultural Soils

    The innovative project launched by Kotuku Fakarava, a company based in Fakarava, is a striking example of sustainable valorization of waste from pearl farming—specifically, pearl oyster shells.
    This initiative, focused on transforming discarded shells into calcium soil amendments, opens promising prospects for local agriculture and reducing reliance on imports.

    The Process of Valorizing Oyster Shells

    The method developed by Kotuku Fakarava to convert shells into a useful agricultural product involves several key steps:

    1. Fine Grinding of Shells – The shells are first crushed into a fine powder, rich in calcium, an essential nutrient for soil health.
    2. Screening – The powder is then sifted to achieve a fine, uniform texture, ideal for soil amendment.
    3. Use as a Calcium Amendment – This powder is applied to neutralize soil acidity, a common issue in French Polynesia, where acidic soils can reduce crop yields. The oyster shell powder offers a local, sustainable alternative to imported fertilizers.

    Benefits for Local Agriculture

    Agricultural soils in Polynesia often suffer from excessive acidity, limiting crop productivity. The calcium amendment derived from oyster shells could provide several advantages:

    • Improved soil structure, promoting better plant growth,
    • Reduced dependence on imported products, enhancing regional food self-sufficiency,
    • A local, eco-friendly, and sustainable solution.

    Testing Phase and Promising Results

    The project is currently in the experimental phase across several agricultural sites, including the Moorea Agricultural High School. Early results indicate that the oyster shell-based amendment is as effective—if not superior—to traditional imported products used for soil pH correction. This could revolutionize the supply of agricultural inputs in Polynesia.

    Other Potential Applications

    Beyond soil amendment, the project is exploring additional uses for oyster shells:

    • Poultry Farming – Coarser shell fragments can serve as a calcium supplement in poultry feed.
    • Innovative Concrete Production – A study is underway to test the use of shells in construction materials, which are in high demand for local building projects.

    Economic and Environmental Prospects

    This initiative aligns with a growing trend in French Polynesia to better utilize pearl farming byproducts, particularly mother-of-pearl, in order to:

    • Develop a local industry around waste transformation,
    • Reduce dependence on imported equivalents (such as calcium amendments),
    • Create local economic opportunities while supporting sustainable agriculture and livestock farming.

    This project could also inspire other stakeholders to explore new ways of valorizing pearl farming byproducts, contributing to a more circular and sustainable economic model for the region.

  • Large-Scale Cleanup Initiative: Tackling Pearl Farming Pollution in French Polynesia

    French Polynesia’s pearl industry, a cornerstone of the local economy, faces mounting environmental challenges from decades of accumulated farming waste. For nearly 40 years, debris from pearl farms has contaminated lagoons and atolls, tarnishing the reputation of the famed Tahitian Pearl. In response, the government has launched an ambitious cleanup operation to address this ecological crisis.

    Environmental Wake-Up Call

    The pollution crisis has prompted:

    • Immediate action: Distribution of 1,300 waste collection bags across the Tuamotus, Gambiers, and Leeward Islands (May-July 2021)
    • Record cleanup: Over 100 cubic meters of waste collected in Apataki through collaboration between farmers and local association Te hotu no te Fenua no Apataki
    • Emergency measures: Waste transport to Tahiti’s Punaruu Landfill (C.E.T.) for temporary disposal

    Multi-Stakeholder Approach

    The 2020 Pearl Farming Seminar established a framework involving:
    ✓ Municipal governments
    ✓ Management committees
    ✓ Pearl farmers
    ✓ Local communities
    ✓ National authorities

    Sustainable Solutions in Development

    While immediate waste burial addresses the crisis, long-term strategies include:

    1. Material substitution: Phasing out plastic farming equipment
    2. Industry funding: New financial contributions from pearl farmers
    3. Legislative reform: Upcoming amendments to pearl farming regulations

    *”The math is sobering – an average farm generates 2 tons of waste annually,”* officials note. The government is developing a comprehensive plan to:

    • Remove historical waste (40+ years of accumulation)
    • Establish efficient processing systems
    • Implement preventive measures against new pollution

    This ecological initiative represents a critical step in preserving both French Polynesia’s marine ecosystems and the premium status of its signature black pearls. As cleanup efforts continue, the focus shifts to creating sustainable industry practices that will protect these fragile island environments for generations to come.

    Large-Scale Cleanup Initiative: Tackling Pearl Farming Pollution in French Polynesia

  • Pearl Farming in Crisis: Shortage of Grafters and Strategies to Revive the Sector

    Pearl farming, a crucial sector for the economy of French Polynesia, has been facing difficulties since 2019.

    Export earnings from pearls have dropped by half, falling from 5 billion Fcfp in 2019 to just 2.5 billion in 2020, according to data from the Polynesian Statistical Institute (ISPF). This sharp decline, exacerbated by the pandemic, has highlighted several challenges, including a shortage of grafters.

    For the past two years, Chinese grafters, who made up a significant part of the workforce, have been unable to leave their home country, leading to a decline in high-quality pearl production. At the Papeete market, pearl supply has been cut in half, causing tension among jewelry sellers. Heiani Riaria, a vendor, notes: *”Before, we used to buy up to 1,000 pieces, and now we only get 500. Prices have also doubled—pearls now sell for 500 to 1,000 Fcfp, compared to 250-300 Fcfp before.”*

    Despite the reputation of Chinese workers for efficiency and affordability, there is an urgent need to train more local grafters. Fanny Yip, a jewelry store manager, emphasizes the importance of supporting and training local grafters to reduce reliance on foreign labor. “It’s essential to establish structures to better train and support our local grafters,” she explains.

    In 2020, the number of producers dropped by 80 compared to 2018. Yet, despite the challenges, industry professionals remain optimistic. They are actively seeking solutions to revitalize this vital industry for Polynesia and hope for a brighter future for the “black gold of the sea.”

  • Poe Ma’ohi: 60 Years of Tahiti Pearl’s Soul – A Legacy to Celebrate

    French Polynesia’s pearl industry marked a historic milestone as the Tahitian Pearl Federation (FPPF) hosted the inaugural “Poe Ma’ohi” (The Soul of the Pearl) exhibition at Hilton Tahiti. This celebration of the 60th anniversary of Tahitian pearl cultivation comes exactly a decade after its 50th anniversary was observed in Paris, now rightfully honored in its homeland.

    A Festival of Culture and Commerce

    Supported by a 3 million Fcfp government grant, the event transcends traditional trade shows, positioning itself as:

    • A living archive of pearl heritage
    • A creative laboratory for artisans
    • A global platform for industry dialogue

    FPPF President Marcelle Howard emphasized the gem’s unique status: “Tahitian pearls represent France’s only organic gemstone – a Polynesian treasure that demands protection and promotion.”

    Creative Showcase Highlights

    Under the federation’s motto “Queen of Pearls and Pearl of Queens”, the exhibition features:
    Competition Categories:

    1. Fine Jewelry (Joaillerie)
    2. Artisan Jewelry (Artisan bijoutier)
    3. Traditional Craft (Artisan traditionnel)

    Notable Participants:

    • Miliani Création
    • Temanus Création
    • Hokahei Pearl
    • Poe Tahiti
    • Lycée Saint-Joseph vocational school

    Visitors will determine the winning designs through popular vote, with awards presented at the closing ceremony.

    Immersive Educational Partnership

    The event partners with Moorea’s Fare Natura ecomuseum, offering:

    • VR experiences showcasing Polynesian marine ecosystems
    • Educational programs connecting pearl culture with ocean conservation

    Official Call to Action

    Blue Economy Minister Tearii Alpha opened the event with a powerful message:
    “Climate change and human pressure threaten our lagoons. We must build sustainable value chains and inspire youth to safeguard this legacy – because the future lies in transmission.”

  • Crackdown on Undeclared Labor in Pearl Farming: Urgent Call to Action in French Polynesia

    A recent report by the Territorial Audit Office (CTC) has exposed widespread undeclared labor in French Polynesia’s pearl industry, demanding immediate implementation of a targeted action plan. The findings, published by Tahiti Infos, focus on employment conditions in the sector and prioritize establishing anti-fraud measures by 2021.

    Shadow Workforce Revealed

    The report highlights systemic challenges in tracking pearl industry employment. Without specific occupational codes distinguishing pearl workers from general aquaculture laborers in official statistics (ISPF), estimates remain unreliable. After excluding shrimp/pisciculture workers, the CTC calculates an annual average of 894 pearl sector jobs from 2015-2019 – a figure deemed grossly inadequate given the scale of operations.

    Discrepancies in Employment Data

    • 648 professional card-holding producers were registered in 2020
    • Only 445 employees formally declared in aquaculture/pearl farming that year
    • President Fritch’s estimate of 2,500-3,000 actual jobs underscores the gap

    Alarming Labor Conditions

    Over 50% of workers lack employment contracts or social protections, a situation authorities acknowledge but have failed to rectify. The CTC urgently recommends:

    1. Immediate creation of a specialized pearl worker classification
    2. Mandatory 2021 action plan against undeclared labor
    3. Enhanced sector transparency measures

    “This isn’t just about fraud prevention – it’s about protecting vulnerable workers and legitimizing our signature industry,” the report emphasizes. As Polynesia’s pearl sector celebrates its 60th anniversary, these findings demand urgent governmental response to safeguard both workers and the industry’s international reputation.

  • Deep Crisis in French Polynesia’s Pearl Industry: Alarming Findings and Urgent Need for Reform

    A recent report from the Territorial Audit Office (CTC), submitted to the Assembly, exposes the severe challenges facing French Polynesia’s pearl sector in recent years. The failure of the 2017 reform—which has struggled to deliver results four years after implementation—and the “alarming” environmental impact on lagoons have raised serious concerns about the future of this key export commodity.

    As Tahitian cultured pearls mark their 60th anniversary this week at the Poe Ma’ohi trade show at Hilton Tahiti, the CTC’s detailed report (covering 2015-2021) highlights the sector’s growing difficulties. While pearl farming remains French Polynesia’s top local export (generating 8.6 billion Fcfp in 2014), revenues plummeted to 2.5 billion Fcfp in 2020 amid a severe economic crisis. The industry’s systemic issues can no longer be ignored.

    The report traces pearl farming’s turbulent history: from its 1980s boom to the 1990s virus-induced crash, followed by a recovery peaking in 1999. Since that zenith, the sector has faced relentless decline, with export prices per gram collapsing from 1,710 Fcfp in 2000 to 472 Fcfp in 2019.

    The 2017 reform—spearheaded by President Édouard Fritch’s government to shift from mass production to quality-focused output—has largely failed. Production quotas set in 2021 proved ineffective, public water concessions were allocated haphazardly, and one-third of producers (holding 1,300 hectares) have been inactive since 2017. The transfer of responsibilities to industry professionals and governance changes were similarly unsuccessful.

    Environmental damage from pearl farming poses another critical concern, with waste accumulating for 40 years across pearl-producing islands. Takaroa and Takapoto lagoons have suffered particularly severe degradation, requiring costly remediation.

    The CTC urges immediate action, recommending seven specific measures for 2021. President Fritch has pledged to launch a new sectoral policy by year-end, incorporating these recommendations. As Tahiti celebrates six decades of pearl cultivation, the industry now faces an urgent overhaul to ensure its survival and ecological sustainability.

  • Enhancing Pearl Shell Value in French Polynesia: Survey and Strategies for Sustainable Pearl Farming Development

    The Marine Resources Directorate (DRM) recently launched a survey to assess the quantities of pearl shells stored onshore at Polynesian pearl farms. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to develop the pearl shell sector, aiming to find local solutions for valorizing Pinctada margaritifera shells, which are currently exported in bulk.

    The DRM is exploring several avenues to transform this resource into high-value-added products, including:

    • Using shell derivatives in agriculture (e.g., fertilizers or dietary supplements for laying hens),
    • Incorporating shells into handicrafts,
    • Establishing a local industry for nucleus production from powdered shell.

    However, a major challenge remains identifying reliable and sufficient sources to supply these new value chains.

    To address this, in late September, the DRM launched a survey to inventory shell stocks across French Polynesia’s 349 active pearl farms. Local pearl farming management committees are collaborating with industry professionals to compile precise stock data, with full estimates expected by October 26.

    While pearl shells have been exported since the 1980s—generating modest income for producers—the DRM is now prioritizing local valorization over bulk exports to Asia. Between 2014 and 2020, Polynesia exported an average of 1,604 tons of shells annually, with 1,299 tons shipped in 2020 (revenue: 183 million Fcfp). The average price reached 141 Fcfp/kg in 2020, surpassing the 124 Fcfp/kg average since 2014.

    Most onshore stocks consist of shells unfit for commercial sale due to defects or damage. Nevertheless, the DRM remains optimistic about developing more profitable and sustainable solutions for this local resource. The ongoing survey’s results will provide critical data to guide efforts toward more effective local valorization of Tahitian pearl shells.

  • Tahiti’s Pearl Farming Crisis: Plummeting Exports and Shortage of Grafters

    Tahiti’s pearl industry is facing a severe crisis, marked by a dramatic drop in pearl exports—falling from 5 billion Fcfp in 2019 to just 2.5 billion in 2020. According to Mia Williams, president of the French Polynesia Small and Medium-Sized Pearl Farmers’ Union (SPMPPF), this alarming decline is largely due to the pandemic.

    Export prices per gram have also hit a historic low, dropping from 600 Fcfp in 2018 to 270 Fcfp in 2020. Ferdinand Ching, a pearl dealer, explains that this price collapse is partly linked to declining pearl quality, attributed to factors such as lagoon pollution and overproduction.

    The situation is further exacerbated by a critical shortage of grafters, a major challenge for local producers. The absence of Chinese grafters, stranded in China, has directly impacted production, leading to a sharp decline in pearl output. By 2020, the number of producers had also decreased by 80 compared to 2018.

    Despite these challenges, industry professionals remain cautiously optimistic, emphasizing that resolving the grafter shortage swiftly is crucial to ensuring the survival and sustainability of French Polynesia’s pearl farming sector.