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

  • Historic Surge in Tahitian Pearl Prices: Highest Level in 15 Years

    The Tahitian pearl market is currently experiencing an unprecedented boom, with prices reaching 800 Fcfp per gram—a level not seen in over 15 years.

    This dramatic increase stems from a combination of factors: a strong rebound in international demand and limited supply, a direct consequence of the pandemic.

    According to data from French Polynesia’s Institute of Statistics (ISPF), the average price per gram has more than doubled in a year, jumping from around 300 Fcfp to 800 Fcfp. Industry professionals, such as Loïc Wiart, director of Poe Black Pearl, welcome this trend: “This is an unexpected but very welcome comeback.”

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, pearl farming activity slowed significantly, leading to a sharp drop in production. While demand remained moderate at the time, it has now surged—just as available stocks have hit record lows.

    The industry is celebrating this recovery but remains cautious. The rapid price increase could be followed by a sudden downturn if production accelerates too quickly. “There’s a risk of a yo-yo effect,” admits Wiart, “but current constraints—particularly the shortage of grafters and mother-of-pearl—should prevent overproduction in the short term.”

    This revival presents a unique opportunity to revitalize Polynesia’s pearl industry. However, market stability will depend on careful production management and potential regulatory adjustments to prevent another crisis.

  • Cocorig: A Local Initiative for Eco-Friendly Coconut Fiber Ropes

    In pearl farming, the widespread use of plastic ropes—often degraded over time—poses a serious environmental threat and compromises pearl quality. To address this ecological challenge, the local company Polyacht, led by Benoit Parnaudeau, has launched Cocorig, an innovative project aiming to replace polluting plastic ropes with natural alternatives made from coconut fiber.

    Parnaudeau highlights the devastating impact of plastic pollution in the ocean and the urgent need for sustainable solutions in pearl farming. Inspired by traditional techniques, Cocorig seeks to revive the use of “nape”—a traditional Polynesian natural fiber rope. The challenge lies in enhancing the material’s durability to withstand marine conditions while maintaining its eco-friendly integrity.

    A finalist in the 2020 Tech4islands competition, Cocorig gained significant attention during the Tech4islands Summit last October, showcasing its potential to transform the local industry. The project also receives support from the PROTEGE program (Marine Resources Department and the Pacific Community), which funds research to improve coconut fiber rope quality.

    Currently, Cocorig is developing a sustainable supply chain to utilize coconut husk—an underused local resource. While specialized machinery is still needed to scale production, the first rope prototypes are expected by March, with official product presentations to the Pacific community planned for September.

    This promising initiative could not only enhance the sustainability of pearl farming but also foster an innovative, eco-conscious local industry.

  • Pearl Oyster Reintroduction Operation in the Gambier: Preserving the Kingdom of Pearls

    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.

  • New Pearl Production Quota Regulations for Pearl Farmers

    An amendment to the Pays (Territory) law of July 18, 2017, recently revised, introduces a new framework for determining individual production quotas for pearl farmers.

    From now on, the quota will be calculated using the following formula:

    Q = R × S (1 + p)

    Where:

    • Q = Individual production quota
    • R = Maximum yield per hectare
    • S = Authorized farming area per operation
    • p = Specific weighting factor

    For 2023, the maximum yield (R) has been set at 2,500 pearls per hectare, in accordance with decisions made during the Pearl Farming Council meeting on June 10.

    Objectives of the New Regulation

    This updated framework aims to:

    • Better regulate pearl production in French Polynesia
    • Balance quotas based on production capacity and available farming areas
    • Integrate adjustments that account for the specific characteristics of each pearl farming operation

    The reform seeks to ensure sustainable and equitable growth in the sector while maintaining the high quality of Polynesian pearls.

  • Towards a Circular Economy: DRM and the Recycling of Pearl Farming Plastic Floats

    The Marine Resources Department (DRM) has launched an ambitious project to promote a circular economy by recycling plastic floats from pearl farming—a key industry for French Polynesia but also a major source of plastic waste.

    In 2023, the DRM collected 6,000 floats in the Leeward Islands and Tuamotu-Gambier as part of a campaign to recycle pearl farming waste.

    A Pilot Recycling Project for Plastic Floats

    The main challenge lies in the durability of the floats, made from ABS plastic (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), which is difficult to grind due to its toughness. However, the DRM has tested a shredding process to convert these floats into pellets—a method that could be adapted for other islands to facilitate local plastic waste management.

    For now, a specialized shredder has been used, and grinding the floats significantly reduces waste volume. A single “big bag” can hold up to 40 whole floats, but once shredded, it can store the equivalent of 300 floats in pellet form, drastically cutting transportation costs and logistical challenges.

    Local Impact and Recycling Potential

    The DRM’s goal is to implement this shredding process directly on the docks of the concerned islands. This would reduce maritime transport costs while providing an on-site recycling solution. Additionally, reducing float volume could encourage more sustainable waste management among pearl farmers and other local stakeholders.

    Pearl farmers are increasingly aware of the importance of recycling. According to Marcelle Howard, President of GIE Toarava, recycling these floats could not only meet the needs of pearl farmers but also supply other sectors, such as lagoon tourism, where the material could be repurposed—for example, in manufacturing urban furniture.

    Future Prospects and Challenges

    The pilot project has generated significant interest, particularly from a local plastic industry player monitoring its progress. ABS plastic, commonly used in car bumpers, could find new life in local applications if the pellets meet necessary technical standards.

    However, the project faces a major hurdle: the recovery of the pearl farming market. The industry is currently struggling, and demand for recycled floats will largely depend on its revival.

    Conclusion

    This plastic float recycling initiative marks an important step toward establishing a circular economy in Polynesia. It demonstrates how the pearl farming sector can play an active role in environmental protection while developing practical and economically viable solutions for plastic waste management. The DRM continues to explore innovative approaches that could eventually transform waste into valuable resources for the community.

  • 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.

    2020-08-03-mabeDownload
    2020-08-03-mabe2Download

  • Key Directions from the Pearl Farming Council: Preserving Lagoons and Promoting Local Employment

    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.

  • Pearl Destruction Legal Battle Could Cost French Polynesia Millions

    The French Polynesian government faces a mounting financial crisis over its controversial destruction of hundreds of thousands of pearls—a policy now deemed illegal, with compensation claims potentially exceeding 100 million Fcfp.

    1. Background: A Flawed Policy

    • 2017 Mass Destruction: The Direction des Ressources Marines (DRM) seized and destroyed thousands of “imperfect” pearls, citing a 2005 regulation banning their sale.
    • Ruled Illegal: Courts later determined the policy violated property rights, opening the door for pearl farmers and traders to sue for damages.

    2. Escalating Legal Battles

    • Early Victories (2021): Two pearl farmers won compensation, setting a precedent.
    • Expanding Claims: 15 additional producers are now demanding reparations for 585,000 destroyed pearls.
    • Hidden Scale: Lawyers estimate millions of pearls may have been unlawfully destroyed since 2005, suggesting even greater liability.

    3. Valuation Dispute: From 575 Fcfp to 250 Fcfp per Gram

    • Initial Ruling (2021): The Papeete Administrative Court set pearl value at 575 Fcfp/gram.
    • Appeal Reduction: Paris’ Administrative Court of Appeal slashed this to 250 Fcfp/gram, drastically lowering payouts.
    • Pending Awards: The public rapporteur recommends 1–37 million Fcfp per case for the remaining nine claims.

    4. Total Financial Exposure: ~100 Million Fcfp

    If courts uphold the rapporteur’s guidance:

    • Current Claims: 96.5 million Fcfp for nine cases.
    • Cumulative Total: Combined with earlier settlements, the government could owe over 100 million Fcfp.

    5. Sector-Wide Fallout

    • Regulatory Distrust: Pearl farmers accuse authorities of arbitrary enforcement and unfair destruction of their stock.
    • Compensation Lifeline: Payouts could help producers recoup losses but won’t undo years of lost revenue.
    • Systemic Reforms Needed: Calls grow for clearer pearl-grading standards and transparent policies.

    6. Next Steps: June 7 Decision

    The final ruling (expected June 7) will determine:

    • The total financial hit to French Polynesia’s budget.
    • Whether the government must adjust pearl industry regulations to prevent future disputes.

  • CTC Audit Report Exposes Governance Failures in Tahitian Pearl Association

    The Territorial Audit Court’s (CTC) damning assessment of the Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia (TPAFP) reveals systemic mismanagement of public funds and governance failures that undermine its role as the sector’s representative body. Here are the critical findings:

    1. Crisis of Representation

    • Shrinking Membership: With only 117 members from 6 organizations (out of 349 professional licenses), the TPAFP fails to reflect the diversity of French Polynesia’s pearl industry.
    • Legitimacy Gap: The association represents just 33% of eligible professionals, raising questions about its mandate to speak for the sector.

    2. Governance Breakdown

    • Dormant Decision-Making: Rare general assemblies and infrequent board meetings paralyze oversight.
    • Unauthorized Spending: Major financial commitments were approved without proper governance review, violating basic fiscal controls.

    3. Ethical Red Flags: Conflicts of Interest

    • Self-Dealing Allegations: Procurement from companies owned by TPAFP board members circumvents fair competition.
    • Lack of Transparency: No public disclosure of these transactions, eroding trust in financial stewardship.

    4. Questionable Spending Practices

    International Activities

    • Unjustified Subsidies: Public funds flowed to partner associations in Hong Kong, Japan, and the U.S. without clear performance metrics.
    • No Competitive Bidding: Contracts awarded via direct selection, violating procurement rules for public funds.

    Local Operations

    • Budget Overruns: Mission expenses exceeded projections with no documented justification.
    • Opaque Contracting: Preferential treatment for select vendors contradicts principles of equitable access.

    5. Urgent Reforms Demanded

    The CTC mandates immediate action to:
    ✅ Broaden Membership – Ensure the association truly represents pearl industry stakeholders.
    ✅ Enforce Financial Controls – Require competitive bidding and independent audits.
    ✅ Eliminate Conflicts – Bar board members from benefiting from TPAFP contracts.
    ✅ Restore Transparency – Publish meeting minutes, budgets, and procurement records.

    6. Implications: A Sector at Risk

    The report exposes a crisis of confidence in the TPAFP’s ability to:

    • Safeguard public funds (436 million FCFP since 2014)
    • Effectively promote Tahitian pearls globally
    • Maintain trust among farmers and exporters

    Without rapid reform, the TPAFP risks becoming irrelevant—or worse, a liability to Polynesia’s pearl industry.

  • 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