Mabe Pearl Enhancement Initiative: Diversifying Income in Pearl Farming

The Polynesian government, through the Marine Resources Department (DRM), has launched an innovative program aimed at enhancing by-products of pearl farming, with a particular focus on blister pearl production, also known as mabe in Japan.

This initiative seeks to diversify income sources for industry professionals by exploring new and creative uses for pearl oysters.

Blister Pearls: A Traditional Yet Innovative Product

Blister pearls are one of the earliest forms of cultured pearl products. They are created by attaching a half-sphere nucleus (typically made of plastic), often decorated with patterns, inside the shell of Pinctada margaritifera (the local pearl oyster). Through natural biomineralization, the oyster coats the nucleus with nacre, forming a pearl. Once the nacre has sufficiently developed, the blister pearl is harvested by cutting the shell. The plastic nucleus is then replaced with epoxy resin, and a nacre plate is added to finalize the pearl.

Program Objectives

The program is structured in several phases:

1. Professional Training: The first phase involved specialized training for pearl farmers in Takapoto, covering nacre sorting and blister pearl grafting techniques. This step is crucial to introduce farmers to the production process and equip them with the necessary skills for this alternative production method.
2. Harvest Monitoring & Analysis: A second phase included tracking and analyzing blister pearl harvests, both with and without decorative patterns. This helped determine the technical expertise required for production and identify specific challenges related to harvesting these pearls.
3. Dissemination of Best Practices: The program also involves creating educational technical guides to replicate the production process across other sites in French Polynesia. These documents will standardize methods and share acquired knowledge with a broader range of professionals.
4. Collaboration with the Handicrafts Department: Part of the project focuses on blister pearl commercialization, supported by the Handicrafts Department. This phase involves identifying different product grades, cutting, and setting pearls for market readiness.

Expected Impacts

Mastering blister pearl production could provide several benefits for pearl farmers:

• Improved Yields: Mabe production allows the use of pearl oysters unsuitable for traditional pearl farming, maximizing overall harvest utilization.
• Job Creation: The project could generate new employment opportunities for young local technicians and artisans, particularly in cutting, setting, and marketing blister pearls.
• Enhancement of Local Products: The goal is to add innovation and quality to local products, strengthening their position in the international market. This diversification would also help meet global market demands.

R&D for a 100% Bio-Sourced Blister Pearl

Alongside mabe production, the DRM is conducting research and development to create a 100% bio-sourced blister pearl, made from local and sustainable materials. This project could reinforce Polynesia’s ecological commitment and offer an even more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional pearl production.

Conclusion

This blister pearl enhancement initiative represents a significant opportunity for income diversification in French Polynesia’s pearl farming sector. It not only optimizes the use of local resources but also addresses growing environmental concerns while adding value for local producers. By combining innovation and tradition, this project could serve as a sustainable and economically viable model for the pearl farming industry.