Category: General

The Marine Resources Department (DRM) and pearl farmers from Mangareva have carried out a pearl oyster reintroduction operation in the Gambier lagoon—a key initiative to revitalize the region’s pearl farming sector.

Facing a decline in pearl oyster spat collection, an essential element for oyster production, this operation aims to restore oyster populations and strengthen local pearl output.

Operation Details

During this two-day effort, a total of 3,500 mature pearl oysters were reseeded in specific sites identified by researchers from IRD and Ifremer. These adult oysters will serve as a foundation for future reproduction, with the hope that their reintroduction will stimulate natural spawning in the lagoon.

James Gooding, a local pearl farmer, emphasized that this initiative is not just an ecological gesture but also a way to raise awareness among farmers about environmental challenges and strengthen community cooperation. He added that if successful, additional reintroductions could be considered in the future.

Economic and Symbolic Importance

The Tahitian pearl remains an economic cornerstone for French Polynesia, accounting for 70% of local exports. The Gambier Islands, in particular, play a major role in this industry, contributing around 33% of the territory’s total pearl production.

What sets Polynesian pearl farming apart is that oysters are cultivated directly in the wild, unlike in other producer countries (such as Indonesia, Myanmar, or the Philippines), where hatcheries are used.

Oysters are placed on ropes in the lagoon for about six months, where they feed and grow before being harvested. This natural method not only produces unique pearls but is also considered more environmentally sustainable.

Future Goals

This reintroduction aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the pearl industry while restoring the health of local marine ecosystems. Pearl farmers in the region continue to monitor the reintroduced oysters and hope they will enhance the resilience of pearl production against future ecological and economic challenges.

On June 9 and 10, the Pearl Farming Council adopted major strategic directions for the future of the pearl industry in French Polynesia. These measures aim to strengthen the sector’s sustainability while addressing environmental and socio-economic challenges.

1. Preservation of Lagoons

A key focus of the council was the protection of lagoons, which are vital to the long-term viability of pearl farming. Waste management was a central topic. The Marine Resources Directorate (DRM) has launched a tender to continue repatriating waste from the Tuamotu-Gambier islands (13 islands involved) over the next three years, reducing marine pollution. This initiative builds on previous efforts and seeks to stabilize the situation while improving control over waste generated by the pearl industry.

An upcoming regulatory project will require producers to develop individual waste management plans, encouraging greater commitment to environmentally responsible practices. The use of compostable materials will also be promoted to minimize the industry’s ecological footprint.

2. Promoting Local Employment

One of the strategic priorities is boosting local employment within pearl farms through concrete actions:

• Training local grafters: The Polynesian Center for Maritime Professions (CMMPF) will launch a specialized pearl oyster grafting course in October. The program, designed for about a dozen workers with experience in pearl farms, includes one month of theory in Rangiroa and five months of on-site training at farms. This initiative aims to enhance local expertise and gradually reduce reliance on foreign labor.
• Minimum activity criteria: The Council introduced a minimum activity threshold for pearl farms, requiring production of at least 200 pearls per hectare over two years and a minimum number of employees. Farms failing to meet these standards risk losing their maritime concessions and public domain permits, with penalties including revocation of producer status after two years of inactivity.

3. Management of Maritime Concessions and Operations

A significant reform was adopted regarding maritime concessions. To ensure sustainable and serious operations, the Council decided to withdraw—or even cancel—public domain permits from inactive farms after two years (or four years for first-time applicants). Farms must maintain a baseline level of activity, including oyster grafting, pearl production, and sales, to retain their concessions.

4. Strengthening Sales Strategies

A new sales strategy is being developed to better promote Polynesian pearls in international markets. While details are yet to be released, the approach will likely emphasize innovation, product quality, and traceability.

Conclusion

These decisions aim to enhance the pearl industry’s sustainability by balancing environmental preservation, economic development, and local employment. Training local grafters and setting minimum activity criteria reflect the government’s commitment to securing the sector’s future while creating opportunities for local professionals. Monitoring the impact of these measures on the Tahitian pearl industry in the coming years will be crucial.

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:

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

In Rangiroa, a controversy has erupted over the planned location of a future pearl farm in Tiputa, sparked by a petition launched by a local resident, Siméon. He is calling on the Fisheries Service to engage in dialogue with the community to discuss relocating the project, citing environmental concerns and the potential impact on local fishing.

Siméon, a staunch opponent of the project, expresses fears about the ecological risks associated with pearl farming, particularly the introduction of non-native pearl oysters that could bring parasites into Rangiroa’s lagoon. He also points out that the chosen site is a fish spawning ground, warning that it could lead to the disappearance of certain species in the area.

Siméon’s main argument is that the project should be moved to avoid conflicts with local fishermen and preserve the fishing zone. However, his opposition is not shared by all atoll residents. Léon, another local, recalls that a pearl farm previously operated in the same location without causing environmental issues or depleting fish stocks.

On the other hand, Marc, a local fisherman, supports the project, emphasizing that the pearl farm operator has obtained all necessary permits and paid for his maritime concession since 2019—long before the disruptions caused by the pandemic. He suggests that the dispute may actually stem from neighborhood conflicts.

Despite the tensions, the project’s operator has chosen not to comment on the situation. The story highlights the divisions within the local community regarding the development of the pearl industry and its impact on the environment and traditional activities.

A pristine South Pacific atoll may soon change hands.

Real estate agency Thisse is currently offering Anuanurunga Atoll for sale, located in the central-western Tuamotu archipelago between Anuanuraro and Nukutepipi.

This isolated speck of land—part of the Duke of Gloucester Islands group alongside Anuanuraro, Nukutepipi and Herehetue—is marketed as offering “peace and tranquility in the South Pacific.” The asking price remains undisclosed.

Anuanurunga neighbors notable properties: Anuanuraro, formerly owned by pearl magnate Robert Wan, was repurchased by the French Polynesian government in 2002; while Nukutepipi has belonged to Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté since 2007.

Steeped in history, the atoll was first discovered in 1606 by a Spanish expedition that named the archipelago “Cuatro Coronas” (Four Crowns). Today, a new chapter begins for Anuanurunga—its future awaiting the right buyer.

An invaluable pearl, dating back 8,000 years, is about to emerge from the shadows of time to shine under the spotlight of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Dubbed the “Abu Dhabi Pearl”, this prehistoric gem—considered the oldest ever discovered—will be unveiled to the public starting October 30, according to the emirate’s cultural authorities.

Unearthed on Marawah Island, off the coast of the UAE capital, the pearl was excavated by a team of archaeologists and now belongs to the Zayed National Museum. It stands as evidence of pearl harvesting practices dating back to the Neolithic era, as confirmed by radiocarbon dating, which places its formation between 5,800 and 5,600 BCE.

The pearl will be showcased in the “10,000 Years of Luxury” exhibition, where visitors will have the chance to admire this ancient treasure alongside 350 other iconic artifacts on loan from prestigious French museums. The event will run from October 30 to February 18 at the famed dome-clad museum.

For Mohammed Khalifa al-Moubarak, head of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, this discovery highlights the deep cultural and economic roots of the Gulf—long before the era of oil or cultured pearls.

Experts suggest these ancient pearls were used as trade currency with Mesopotamia, exchanged for pottery, or worn as prestige ornaments. The pearl industry, once thriving in the Gulf, reached its peak before declining in the 1930s with the rise of cultured pearls and the first oil drills.

Through this exhibition, the Louvre Abu Dhabi redefines the concept of luxury, exploring 10 millennia of history—with the Abu Dhabi Pearl as one of its most striking jewels.

Rikitea has made Polynesian pearl farming history. On Wednesday evening, the Gambier Islands officially inaugurated its first pearl farming management committee—a structure made possible by landmark 2017 legislation. Fifty of the island’s 167 pearl farmers gathered at the town hall to elect representatives who will collectively advocate for this evolving industry.

Thomas Esen, a respected industry leader, was chosen to chair the committee. After two hours of robust discussion, he was selected to represent Rikitea’s producers on Tahiti’s Pearl Commission. His mandate: bridging grassroots realities with policymaking at the territorial level.

The island’s exponential growth underscores this initiative’s importance—Rikitea now dedicates 2,000 hectares to pearl farming, up from just 1,300 two years ago. This rapid expansion demands better organization, sustained institutional dialogue, and stronger professional coordination.

For Esen, the committee marks a pivotal advance: “We must speak with one voice, structure ourselves, and collaborate to address our industry’s challenges—whether production crises, quality standards, or market difficulties.”

The body will also serve as an information hub, communicating new regulations and decisions affecting farmers. This promises swifter responses and better adaptation to industry changes.

By pioneering this model, Rikitea sets a precedent other islands may soon follow—ushering in strengthened local governance for pearl farming through professional solidarity.

The Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia (TPAFP) is launching a new campaign to reintroduce Tahitian pearls to local communities, with a special focus on the history of pearl shell fishing in Hikueru in 1912. This initiative offers a chance to rediscover mother-of-pearl, often called the “black gold of the atolls,” through vintage postcards depicting this fundamental Polynesian activity.

Mother-of-pearl played a vital role across the Eastern Pacific, serving not only as material for tools and ceremonial ornaments but also for crafting body adornments. Pearls extracted from pearl oysters were transformed into pendants and other valuable objects. The significance of pearl shell fishing became evident from the first encounters between islanders and Europeans, revealing ancestral expertise that has endured through centuries.

A report from 1863 provides a glimpse into the lives of Polynesian divers of that era, highlighting their remarkable agility and diving techniques. These divers—primarily from local families—could reach impressive depths of 25 to 30 meters in the Tuamotu lagoons to retrieve oysters, which were then consumed or sold to traders. This knowledge was passed down through generations, fostering a symbiotic relationship with the ocean.

By the 19th century, South Seas trade flourished, with mother-of-pearl standing alongside whale oil, copra, and fruit as prized commodities. As early as 1820, Polynesian mother-of-pearl was sought after in major European cities, where it was crafted into diverse objects like fans, jewelry boxes, dice, dominoes, and buttons—all in high demand.

Pearl oyster harvesting in Polynesian lagoons evolved rapidly, with fishermen increasingly specializing in collecting large specimens. Tuamotu divers gained worldwide recognition for their skill in gathering oysters from sometimes extreme depths. However, intensive exploitation by traffickers and pearl companies—lasting until the 1950s—depleted natural resources in some of the richest areas.

The introduction of diving suits in the 1880s and the first diving goggles in 1908 modernized fishing techniques. The required diving depths to extract shells from coral beds gradually increased, making pearl shell fishing ever more technical and complex. Polynesia’s richest deposits were identified and exploited on a large scale starting in the 1850s, marking a turning point in the region’s pearl cultivation history.

“The Tahitian cultured pearl, Polynesia’s first jewel.” This is the theme of the latest campaign by the Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia (TPAFP), an initiative aimed at rediscovering Tahitian pearls. In this article, we invite you to explore the captivating history of this gem—from its emergence 550 million years ago to its flourishing in modern Polynesian pearl farms.

The Pearl Oyster: A 550-Million-Year-Old Legacy

Oysters, members of the vast mollusk family, share a common ancestor with worms, snails, and octopuses. Some 550 million years ago—long before the Cambrian explosion—the first nacre-producing bivalves appeared, giving rise to over 8,000 bivalve species, 2,800 of which can produce pearls. The Pinctada margaritifera, or black-lipped oyster, is the iconic species of Polynesian waters. Found across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, it yields pearls ranging from white-gray to black, with Polynesia’s cumingii variety producing unique iridescent black pearls.

From Traditional Harvest to Overexploitation

Ancient Polynesians used mother-of-pearl and pearls for ceremonial and artisanal objects. However, with the arrival of Europeans, demand for mother-of-pearl surged, opening new markets. Traditional diving-based harvesting was initially sustainable, but by the 19th century, organized overexploitation had depleted shallow-water oyster populations. Mother-of-pearl became a prized commodity, used for buttons and fashion accessories.

Pearl Farms of Polynesia: From Experiment to Billion-Dollar Industry

By the 1950s, overfishing threatened wild oysters, prompting the establishment of an experimental pearl farm in Hikueru in 1961—marking the birth of pearl aquaculture in Polynesia. Under the leadership of Jean-Marie Domard and with the expertise of a Japanese grafter, the experiment succeeded, revealing Tahitian pearls’ immense potential. This breakthrough led to private farms, propelling Polynesia into a thriving industry.

The 1980s saw explosive growth, with pearl exports exceeding 10 billion CFP francs by 1990. Yet a decade-long crisis—driven by overproduction and declining quality—tested the industry. Strict regulations and patience eventually spurred its revival. Today, despite fluctuations, pearl farming remains French Polynesia’s second-largest source of foreign revenue.

The Empire of Robert Wan

In 1974, Robert Wan entered the pearl industry by acquiring Tahiti Perles. He became the world’s largest producer and exporter of black pearls, elevating Polynesia onto the global luxury stage. Though the 1998 market crash forced a pause, his eventual comeback solidified his status as a titan of the pearl trade.

From humble beginnings to its current brilliance, the Tahitian pearl remains an inseparable gem in French Polynesia’s history and economy—a legacy as enduring as the ocean that nurtures it.

An exceptional maritime discovery has just shaken the world of gemology. A Filipino fisherman has gotten hold of what could be the largest natural pearl ever recorded, confirmed Cynthia Amurao, Palawan’s tourism officer.

The story of this find resembles a modern fairy tale. When his boat’s anchor got caught on a massive giant clam off the coast of Palawan, the fisherman discovered a pearl of staggering dimensions: 30 centimeters thick by 60 centimeters wide. The man, completely unaware of the astronomical value of his treasure, simply kept it for years as a good-luck charm, carefully stored under his bed in his modest thatch-roofed hut.

“I was stunned when I saw it on the kitchen table,” confided the tourism officer, recounting her first encounter with this extraordinary gem. “I immediately made the fisherman understand that hiding such a treasure was pointless and that it deserved to be displayed to the public.”

Weighing an impressive 14 kilograms, this titanic pearl far surpasses the previous record held by the famous “Pearl of Allah” or “Lao Tzu Pearl,” also discovered in Palawan’s waters in the 1930s and valued at several tens of millions of dollars.

Since Monday, the precious object has been on display in a secured glass case at Puerto Princesa City Hall, the island’s capital. Local authorities eagerly await the official assessment by international gemologists to confirm the authenticity and estimate the value of what could be one of the most significant gemological discoveries of the century.

Richard Ligad, a municipal officer of Puerto Princesa, wanted to clarify: “The fisherman has not signed any donation documents to the city. This extraordinary pearl therefore remains legally his property.” An important detail as the potential value of this discovery could reach dizzying heights on the international market.