In an ambitious move to revitalize pearl farming, a reform bill will be presented to the assembly within the next three weeks. The stated objectives: to structure production, guarantee pearl quality, and ensure traceability from hatchery to export.
Despite increased production, the sector has faced declining prices for 25 years, threatening nearly 3,000 jobs. A third of farms have closed over the past eight years, underscoring the need for decisive action.
The reform introduces national production quotas allocated among farms. All pearls must be registered, with excess production banned from sale to safeguard lagoon health and product value.
Teva Rohfritsch, Minister of the Blue Economy, frames this as a sustainable development initiative. Quotas will adapt to each lagoon’s ecological specifics, and public domain usage terms will tighten to mandate environmental restoration and waste management.
Another breakthrough: the elimination of “rejected pearls.” All pearls can now be utilized—particularly in crafts and jewelry—without minimum nacre thickness requirements, though optional certifications remain available.
To combat illegal practices, producers, traders, and retailers will be prohibited from transferring pearls to third parties without authorization. Nucleus purchases will be strictly regulated, with mandatory record-keeping for merchants.
Endorsed by the Economic, Social, and Cultural Council, the bill faces assembly vote ahead of a January implementation. In tandem, the Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia will host a Pearl Forum on October 20-21 at CCISM—a public platform to debate the future of Polynesian pearl farming.
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