New Measures Target Fraudulent Nuclei Imports and Illicit Pearl Production
In a decisive move to protect French Polynesia’s pearl industry, Marine Resources Minister Temauri Foster and newly appointed Regional Customs Director Franck Testanière have announced a territory-wide enforcement campaign against illegal pearl farming practices threatening the sector’s integrity.
Key Enforcement Actions
🔹 Expanded Surveillance
- Airport checks: Enhanced X-ray scanners for detecting plastic nuclei in luggage
- Atoll inspections: Mobile customs units to monitor remote pearl farms
🔹 Nuclei Smuggling Crackdown
- Ban on giant clam nuclei (non-compliant with Polynesian standards)
- Heavy fines for plastic nuclei use (up to 10M XPF/≈€84,000 per violation)
Why This Matters
💰 Economic Protection
- Tahitian pearls account for 65% of Polynesia’s luxury exports
- Fraudulent practices have depressed prices by 30% since 2015
🌊 Ecological Safeguards
- Illegal nuclei harm oyster survival rates (↓40% with substandard materials)
- Plastic waste from fake nuclei pollutes UNESCO-listed lagoons
Industry Reactions
“Finally, real teeth behind our regulations,” says Manaarii Z., Rikitea pearl farmer. “This will force buyers to pay fair prices for authentic pearls.”
Customs Director Testanière warns: “We’re deploying sonar-equipped boats to track suspicious atoll activities—no more shadows for smugglers.”
Beyond Pearls: Fisheries Streamlining
The initiative also pledges to:
✅ Simplify paperwork for longline fishing exports
✅ Create a “Green Channel” for compliant seafood traders
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