A recent pearl farming seminar in Polynesia addressed a crucial issue for the industry’s future: lagoon preservation.
The government announced its support for establishing a system to repatriate pearl farming waste but clarified that it would not be directly involved in underwater cleanup, leaving this responsibility to pearl farmers.
Tearii Alpha, Minister of the Blue Economy, emphasized that pearl farmers, as beneficiaries of the industry, are responsible for lagoon quality. While the government pledged logistical support for waste management, professionals will have to handle the practical aspects of underwater cleanup to safeguard the lagoons and ensure the industry’s sustainable development.
The health of the lagoons is becoming increasingly critical for the future of pearl farming, especially as environmental concerns—particularly microplastic contamination—threaten pearl oyster survival. Newly established management committees will monitor the situation and coordinate lagoon cleanup efforts.
The government also stressed the need for sustainable solutions to manage pearl farming waste and encouraged greater transparency in this area. Tearii Alpha highlighted the urgency of action while underscoring the importance of collective efforts to ensure quality and accountability in the sector.
Following the seminar, several decisions were made to redefine pearl farming regulations: a freeze on new concessions, a production cap of 2,500 pearls per hectare to prevent oversupply, promotion of auction sales, and stronger support for local employment in the islands. These measures will be formalized in upcoming regulatory reforms.
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