French Polynesia currently allocates over 500 maritime concessions for pearl farms, primarily concentrated in the Tuamotu archipelago, with Ahe and Manihi serving as key production hubs. As of May 2012, Ahe Lagoon alone hosted 80 concessions, though questions remain about actual production levels despite strict 5-year permitting requirements.
New Regulatory Measures:
✔ Moratorium announced on temporary maritime permits for pearl farming
✔ Compliance review of existing concessions to verify active use
✔ Strategic assessment to align lagoon usage with sustainable quotas
Current Industry Snapshot (2011 Data):
- 9,720 hectares of lagoons utilized for pearl farming
- Nearing the 10,000-hectare territorial cap
- Tahitian pearls remain Polynesia’s top export commodity
Challenges Driving Reform:
- Declining pearl quality standards
- Oversaturation of producers
- Recent industry crisis requiring intervention
“This pause will help us recalibrate for long-term sustainability,” stated government spokesperson Marcel Tuihani. The moratorium precedes a comprehensive sector evaluation aimed at developing a coherent revitalization strategy for Polynesia’s iconic pearl industry.
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