Pearl Farm Research Articles

Assessment of plastic waste generated by the aquaculture industry: The case study of pearl farming in French Polynesia

In remote and scattered islands, where space and resources for waste treatment are limited, the mismanagement of plastic waste gives rise to significant global environmental threats. Addressing this issue requires a clear understanding of how plastic waste accumulates over the year, particularly in areas heavily reliant on industries such as aquaculture. While the aquaculture sector is often of primary economic and social importance in these regions, it is also a major contributor to pollution due to its extensive use of plastic rearing structures. However, the extent of this contribution is often not accurately quantified. Our study aims to bridge this knowledge gap, focusing on the pearl farming industry in French Polynesia, which plays a vital economic and social role in the country. The surveys conducted among pearl farmers of three major Polynesian pearl farming islands revealed a wide diversity of practices. On this basis, we have developed an original methodology to estimate the potential plastic waste flow from this industry, taking into account these multiple practices. Our study showed that the pearl farming industry in French Polynesia may generate around 1603 tons of plastic waste annually. Moreover, this investigation raised concerns regarding unsustainable practices, revealing that 75% of the plastic waste generated is mismanaged, with half of it (46%) at risk of entering the ocean. In addition to structural waste management problems in these isolated islands, our work suggested that a lack of environmental awareness (expressed by 38% of surveyed pearl farmers) significantly contributes to this situation. These results highlight the urgent need to enhance waste management practices within the pearl farming industry in order to mitigate its environmental impact. Finally, the present work pioneers the quantification of plastic waste flows from a specific aquaculture industry characterized by multiple practices, establishing a foundation for future research in this field.

Improved ocean-based nursery culture of blacklip pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera) juveniles in mesh baskets using cyanoacrylate adhesive

The blacklip pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera, supports well-established cultured pearl industries throughout the Pacific with various nursery culture methods used to on-grow juvenile oysters to a size suitable for pearl production. Locally-available plastic baskets are commonly used to rear juvenile oysters, but they do not prevent oysters from aggregating, which negatively impacts production. To develop an understanding of how basket-based nursery culture might best be adapted for rearing juvenile P. margaritifera, this study examined growth and survival of juveniles of varying sizes and stocked at varying densities in mesh baskets when using a cyanoacrylate adhesive to prevent aggregation. During a 3.5-month ocean-based nursery culture period, stocking density was shown to have a significant effect on growth (F = 11.53, p < 0.001), yet a minimal influence on oyster survival (χ2 = 5.05, p = 0.28). By contrast, stocking size influenced survival (χ2 = 7.17, p = 0.03), but had minimal impact on growth (F = 3.24, p = 0.08). Given that mean ( ± SD) survival of juveniles ranged from 65.0 ± 14.4% to 94.0 ± 8.2% and dorsoventral shell growth ranged from 13.9 ± 6.2 mm to 19.7 ± 6.3 mm, depending on stocking density and stocking size, these factors clearly merit consideration before fixing juvenile oysters to baskets with an adhesive. Such results broaden our knowledge of nursery culture methods for P. margaritifera and improve options for small-scale pearl farmers in the Pacific.

The plate collector, a new option for Pinctada margaritifera spat collection in French Polynesia

The aquaculture industry can constitute an important source of waste in the environment. In atoll lagoons of French Polynesia, among the materials used by pearl farmers, shade-mesh collectors can release toxic substances and are responsible of microplastics production. With the aim of providing a less polluting alternative, we performed in situ tests comparing reusable plate collectors and shade-mesh collectors during 16 months. Plate collectors were significantly more efficient for spat collection, especially after the first 6 months of immersion (P < 0.0001). These results confirmed that this device can be a suitable and more sustainable alternative for the pearl industry.

Preparation and Property of Antibacterial Nucleus with the Combination of Nano-Silver and Antibiotics

To improve the yield and quality of pearls in freshwater pearl culture and the survival rates after nucleus implanting surgery, pearl farmers used artificial pearl nuclear transplantation techniques to raise pearls. To address the common problem of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli infection in oyster farming, a new prophylactic method by using compound antibiotics to prepare the medicine coated pearl nucleus was put forward based on existing research results of the nanosilver antibacterial nucleus. Single-factor experiment, multi-factor experiment, orthogonal experiment, SPSS analysis of variance was used to optimize the antibacterial formulation on the assumption that the contaminated probability of these two pathogenic bacteria was the same. The result showed that the optimal ratio of compound antibiotics was 0.0075g/ml of the flavomycin solution and 0.01g/mL of the terramycin solution; the inhibition zones diameter of both pathogenic bacteria was more than 2.6cm in vitro, which was higher than the nanosilver antibacterial nucleus of 0.9cm in vitro. Indicating that the addition of this compound antibiotic formula for the nanosilver antibacterial nucleus could reduce the usage of antibiotics under the premise of maintaining antibacterial effectiveness, and could preferably inhibit the pathogenic microorganisms in the postoperative infection period. This also indicates that compound antibiotics coated antibacterial nanosilver nucleus would be applied more widely.

Influence of production method on the profitability of mabé pearl farming using traditional and research-informed nucleus implanting practices with the winged pearl oyster, Pteria penguin

Mabé pearl culture has become a significant addition to traditional rural livelihood activities in Tonga and in other south Pacific countries. Mabé pearl culture is a low-cost, low-tech alternative to round pearl culture, can be undertaken by local people with minimal training, and has considerable potential for value adding through production of jewellery and handicraft items. Mabé pearls are produced by attaching hemispherical nuclei to the inner shell surface of pearl oysters where subsequent coverage with nacre (mother of pearl) produces commercial pearls after a culture period of around 12 months. Traditionally, local mabé pearl farmers attempt to maximise pearl output by implanting four high-profile nuclei into each oyster. Recent research has indicated that fewer nuclei, and those with lower profile, may improve the overall quality of resulting mabé pearls and this has been adopted as best-practice by Tongan mabé pearl farmers. This study reports an economic comparison of these two nucleus implanting arrangements. Results showed that annual returns were not dissimilar with the traditional implanting method (four high-profile nuclei) generating USD 6977 per annum, while the recommended best-practice method (two low-profile, one high-profile nuclei) generated USD 6795 per annum. While the traditional method may generate potentially higher annual returns, there are two key considerations that favour the best-practice method: (1) reduced labour commitment that provides opportunity to engage in other livelihood activities; and (2) the production of a higher grade of pearls is more supportive of developing high value export markets for Tongan mabé pearls.

The ameliorative effects of low-temperature pasteurization on physicochemical and microbiological quality of raw Akoya pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata)

This study investigated the effect of 5–20 min low-temperature pasteurization at 50 °C on Akoya oyster's physicochemical including moisture, texture, colour, pH, total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) and microbiological quality in terms of total viable count (TVC), tests for Escherichia coli (E. coli), Vibrio spp. and Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) 14 days post-treatment. Oysters were sourced from Abrolhos island pearl farm and kept alive in simulated condition until treatment day. Physicochemical analyses and TVC were then conducted on day 0, 4, 7, 10, 14 while the remaining microbiological analyses were performed on day 0, 7, 14. Regression analysis showed that none of physicochemical characteristics showed a linear trend, with the exception of TVB-N which increased linearly in all treated oyster with increasing the storage time. Two-way ANOVA indicated that heat treated oysters with more than 10 min treatment time shown to have increase in moisture and firmness compare to control. Colour improvement was also observed in >10 min heat treated adductor muscle while no consistent changes in pH were observed. TVB-N value ranging from 11.49 to 23.59 mg/100 g was influenced by treatment and storage time with significant increases identified in all samples at day 10 and 14. The microbiological results reveal that, TVC, E. coli and V. parahaemolyticus were within standard limit and considered safe to be consumed. Additionally, heat treatment of more than 10 min has shown to suppress Vibrio spp. growth until day 7–14. General amelioration in Akoya oysters physicochemical and microbiological quality suggests that low-temperature pasteurization is a viable option in Akoya oyster processing. Results could aid in commercialization of raw Akoya oyster product and waste reduction in pearl industries.

Spatio-Temporal Variation in Growth Performance and Condition of the Winged Pearl Oyster Pteria penguin

Environmental conditions can strongly influence the growth performance of pearl oysters and affect pearl farm production schedules. Growth and condition index (CI) of two age cohorts of Pteria penguin were measured for 13 months to investigate differences in growth performance between four culture sites within the northern (Vava’u) and southern (Tongatapu) island groups of the Kingdom of Tonga. Environmental conditions were also measured at culture sites and used to explore potential effects on oyster growth and condition. Between island groups, growth performance of P. penguin was superior at northern sites and was most strongly related to higher water temperatures at these sites. Within the southern island group, growth performance varied significantly between sites and may be driven by differences in wave energy. Monthly growth rates (GM) of P. penguin also showed significant temporal variation related to age and environmental conditions. This study demonstrated significant variation in the growth performance of P. penguin at latitudinal and local scales and suggests that in oligotrophic marine environments with minimal terrestrial inputs, such as Tonga, water temperature and wave exposure may be the primary environmental conditions influencing the growth performance of P. penguin. This study therefore recommends that optimal culture sites for P. penguin in Tonga are characterized primarily by warmer water temperatures (25–30°C) and low wave exposure (&amp;lt;15 joules m2 day–1). Culture of P. penguin at sites with more suitable environmental conditions enables pearl production to begin up to 34.2 % (6.5 months) earlier than at less-suitable sites and this may greatly influence mabé pearl farm profitability and feasibility.

Visit to a Gold-Lipped Cultured Pearl Farm in Myanmar

Visit to a Gold-Lipped Cultured Pearl Farm in Myanmar

Production Cost of the Farm-Ready Pearl Oyster Pteria penguin Used for Mabé Pearl Production in the Kingdom of Tonga

Mabe pearl (half-pearl) culture provides rural livelihood opportunities in the South Pacific and is a low-tech alternative to capital and labor-intensive round pearl culture. The Kingdom of Tonga is unique among the pearl-producing countries of the South Pacific in focusing on mabe pearl culture using the winged pearl oyster Pteria penguin. The Tongan mabe pearl sector is developing rapidly and stimulated by routine supply of spat to mabe pearl farmers, from the government hatchery at no cost. It is likely that some level of cost recovery for spat supply will be considered as the sector strengthens, but information on hatchery production costs is limited. This study determined the costs of operating the government pearl oyster hatchery in Tonga and developed an economic model to assess the production cost of juvenile oysters. Modeling was based on a single annual hatchery run generating 6,600 oysters from the ocean-based nursery for delivery to commercial pearl farms. Estimated capital cost was USD 19,079 (excluding government buildings and chattels), and the major production costs were hatchery labor (37%), capital purchase and replacement (20%), and nursery labor (10%). Total annual costs for the pearl oyster hatchery were USD 13,263, equating to a cost of USD 2.01 per oyster supplied to farmers in Tonga. Given significant annual profits of around USD 9,338 that can be generated from 100 harvested oysters, there is justification for cost recovery. Results will be valuable to key stakeholders and have regional relevance for hatchery production of high-value aquaculture commodities.

Economic feasibility of small-scale mabé pearl production in Tonga using the winged pearl oyster, Pteria penguin

Mabé pearl culture is an increasingly important rural livelihood in south Pacific countries as it offers a low-cost, low-tech alternative to round pearl culture. Mabé pearl production can be achieved by local people with appropriate training, and the products offer further livelihood opportunities through value-adding and local production of jewellery and handicraft items. The Kingdom of Tonga is unique among south Pacific pearl producing countries in focusing primarily on mabé pearl, not round pearl, culture using the winged pearl oyster, Pteria penguin. The Tongan mabé pearl sector has developed rapidly over recent years and is sustained by routine hatchery production of spat and recently improved pearl culture methods. This study determined establishment and operational costs of a subsistence-level mabé pearl farm in Tonga and developed an economic model to assess potential profitability of such operations. The representative mabé pearl farm modelled in this study targeted annual mabé pearl production from 100 oysters. Estimated capital cost (US dollars; USD) was USD 2,027 and major production costs were labour (29%), marketing (24%), and capital purchase and replacement (16%). Annual production of 231 saleable mabé pearls generated a net present value (NPV) of USD 107,101. The modified internal rate of return (MIRR) and benefit-cost ratio of the modelled mabé pearl farm were 20.46% and 4.86, respectively, with a payback period of 4 years. Given the average annual income in Tonga is USD 4,020, the modelled mabé pearl farm offers significant economic opportunity (USD 9,338 annual profit after all costs, including owner/operator wages) and supports additional socio-economic benefits for rural communities involved in downstream activities relating to handicraft and jewellery production, and tourism. The findings of this study assist stakeholder understanding of costs, risks and production levels required for profitable mabé pearl production.

Assessing Protective Cylinders for Chaplet-Based Culture of the Winged Pearl Oyster Pteria penguin

This study assessed the use of novel, locally made, protective culture cylinders as a means of improving pearl oyster Pteria penguin performance and standardizing culture methods used by mabe pearl farmers in Tonga. Cylinders were constructed from locally sourced wire mesh, for a cost of USD 12.1 each and were used to protect oysters grown on chaplets. Growth and survival of two age cohorts of oysters—“young” (0.7-y-old and 33.1 ± 0.7-mm dorsoventral height (DVH)) and “old” (2.7-y-old and 86.9 ± 0.8 mm DVH)—cultured using this system were determined every 3–5 wk over an 11-mo period. The DVH of “young” oysters increased by 74.6 mm, wet weight (WW) by 161.2 g, and shell thickness (ST) by 23.4 mm, whereas for “old” oysters, DVH, WW, and ST increased by 55.2 mm, 271.4 g, and 14.7 mm, respectively, over the same period. “Young” oysters held in culture cylinders reached the starting size of the “old” oyster cohort within seven months of growth and at less than half their age (1.2 and 2.7 y old, respectively). “Young” oysters held in culture cylinders also showed a 3-fold greater monthly growth rate than oysters cultured in trays (6.8 and 2.1 mm month–1, respectively). Survival of oysters in culture cylinders over the 11-mo culture period was 91.7% and 97.6% for “young” and “old” oysters, respectively, compared with 25% for oysters cultured in trays. The use of protective cylinders for P. penguin culture increases oyster survival and reduces the culture period required for P. penguin to reach minimum pearl production size by >50% relative to the current tray-based culture method, supporting improved mabe pearl farm profitability.

Economic assessment of community-based pearl oyster spat collection and mabé pearl production in the western Pacific

Cultured pearl production, and associated activities, are of crucial social and economic importance to remote coastal communities in Polynesia and the western Pacific. This study determined the potential profitability of (1) community-based pearl oyster spat collection operations targeting Pinctada margaritifera, and the subsequent sale of pearl oysters to round pearl farms; and (2) the use of Pteria penguin, collected incidentally from P. margaritifera spat collection operations, for mabé pearl production. The spat collection farm modelled in this study comprised four 100-m longlines supporting 1240 commercial spat collectors, with an estimated capital cost of $1245 (all figures in USD). The spat collection operation produced 2332 saleable P. margaritifera pearl oysters (sold to round pearl culture operations) with estimated NPV of $10,439. The MIRR generated was 12.24%, with a benefit-cost ratio was 1.52, and a payback period of 4 years. The downstream mabé pearl farm modelled in this study comprised two 100-m longlines supporting 2000 implanted Pt. penguin oysters with an estimated capital cost of $7319. Annual production of 5400 mabé pearls generated an NPV of $491,864. The MIRR and benefit-cost ratio of the modelled mabé pearl farm were 22.64% and 7.24, respectively, with a payback period of 3 years. Incorporating production and price risk into the model reduced the expected NPV of the mabé pearl farm to $297,507. The models developed in this study provide valuable new information for prospective pearl oyster spat and mabé pearl farming community groups, donors, funding bodies and other stakeholders, and provide a valuable extension tool supporting further development of the pearl sector in Fiji and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Cost–benefit analysis of two culture methods that influence pearl production from the black‐lip pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera

The black‐lip pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera, used for round pearl production in Polynesia, is generally cultured using “ear‐hanging” where they are attached to a rope to form “chaplets.” In other countries, pearl oysters are cultured using panel (pocket) nets that are more expensive than chaplets but afford more protection to cultured oysters. Prior research has shown panel nets produce pearls of higher quality and value, potentially generating higher profits. This study used cost–benefit analysis to compare pearl production using chaplet‐based and panel net‐based culture methods. Whole farm data, including gross revenues and annual production costs, fixed and variable, were analyzed. Average production cost per pearl using panel net‐based culture was USD 22.47 and for chaplet‐based culture was USD 21.55. However, use of panel nets saved around 3,430 hr (USD 6,860) of labor a year, offsetting the greater capital investment. A chaplet‐based pearl farm generated USD 65,738 in annual profits compared to USD 88,774 for a panel net‐based farm. Positive cash flow was achieved 1 year earlier (Year 7) for the panel net‐based farm. This is the first economic analysis of different pearl culture methods for P. margaritifera and evidence of profitability will support further development of the black‐lip pearl industry in the Indo‐Pacific region.

Implanting Half-Pearl Nuclei in Different Positions in Mabe Pearls (Pteria penguin, Roding, 1798)

A study was made comparing the success rate and nacre growth on half-pearl implantations in the Mabe pearl oyster (Pteria penguin, Roding, 1798). Implantations were made near the adductor muscle (#2), mantle edge (#3) and at an intermediate Position (#1). The rejection rate at Positions #1 and #2 (14.5 ± 4.9% and 14.0 ± 4.8% respectively), after 10 months were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than at Position #3 (19.0 ± 5.5%) (means ±95% conf. limits). The lowest mortality was found for oysters with an implant at Position #3 (26.0%) but this was also the position from which the oysters were most successful in rejecting the implant (19.0%). Oysters implanted at Positions #1 and #2 had higher final total mortalities that were not significantly different (35.0 ± 6.7% and 32.0 ± 6.5% respectively). Position #1 had the overall 10 month worst success rate (26.0 ± 6.1%), taking both rejection and mortality into account. About 15–20% of total losses were due to implantation failure and mortality in the first month: the average rate of loss of half-pearls was 3.33 ± 0.27% per month (n = 30). There is a trade-off between growth into larger half-pearls, overgrowth into heteromorphic pearls of no commercial value and relentlessly decreasing overall survival. A Profitability Index model shows that the best harvesting times are 8 to 10 months: losses of half-pearls offsets any gains from extra growth over this time. The Pearl farm was located in Sapum Bay, Muang, Phuket which is a well mixed bay on the east coast of Phuket island: the overall mean Secchi depth was 98.4 ± 2.8 cm, the air temperature was 28.3 ± 0.7 °C, the water temperature was 27.9 ± 0.9 °C and the salinity was 29.7 ± 0.2 ppt. Chlorophyll (Chl) content of the plankton (average total Chl a ≈ 2.23 ± 0.19 μg/l) tended to be higher during the Dry season (Dec–Mar) than in the Wet season (Apr–Nov) with no large changes in Chl ratios over the course of the study. One month had unusually high Chl values but this had no obvious effects on the oysters.

Cleaning Regime for Pinctada margaritifera (Linneaus, 1758) in Savusavu Bay, Fiji

One of the main challenges of pearl industry in Fiji and the South Pacific is trying to control the harmful effects of excessive biofouling on Mother of Pearl Oysters until they are ready implanting and grafting process. Controlling and cleaning biofouling is a major expense of any pearl farm operation. Biofouling also has a significant effect on the growth rate and survival of pearl oysters. An experiment was setup in Valili pearl farm to find out the best cleaning regime for highest growth rate of Mother of Pearl oysters from January 2012 through to June 2012. The experimental setup had 4 treatments; 2 week, 4 week, 6 week and 20 week cleaning regime. Each treatment had 5 panel nets with 21 oysters. The results showed that the oysters treated with 4 and 6 week cleaning regime had significantly higher growth rates than 2 and 20 week cleaning regime.

Potential profitability of pearl culture in coastal communities in Tanzania

Artisanal half-pearl culture has been shown to provide livelihood and economic opportunities for coastal communities in Tanzania that depend directly on exploitation of marine resources. However, these pilot research studies have been supported by donor organisations and the economic feasibility of such development has not yet been assessed. Furthermore, there is little understanding of the costs required to establish pearl farms and the relative impacts of farm size on production, running costs, profitability and risks involved in production. The aim of this study was to develop economic models for subsistence level half-pearl culture in Tanzania. Models were generated for various scenarios relating to farm size and products (i.e. half-pearls and juvenile oyster or ‘spat’ collection) and they give detail on infrastructure costs, operational costs and income generated for various levels of operation. We concluded that the most profitable model for community-based pearl farming is to culture at least 600 oysters for half-pearl production. However, for communities to be able to run a sustainable and profitable enterprise, development of a sustainable source of oysters is crucial. Farmers can also generate income from collection of juvenile oysters and their subsequent sale to pearl farmers, but this is less profitable than half-pearl farming and requires a longer operational period before profits are made. Like pearl farming, there were major benefits or economies of scale with the largest farms tested providing greatest profit and/or a shorter time required to reach profitability. Our results provide a valuable source of information for prospective pearl farmers, donors, funding bodies and other stakeholders, and valuable extension information supporting further development of pearl culture in Tanzania.

Mono- and polychromatic inner shell phenotype diversity in Pinctada margaritifera donor pearl oysters and its relation with cultured pearl colour

The pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera has the specific ability to produce pearls with the widest range of colours among all pearl oyster species. This pearl colour diversity originates from the mantle biomineralising tissue (graft) of the donor oyster, which is originally responsible for the variety of colours of the inner shell surface. This study aimed to: 1) assess the geographic distribution and establish a first stocklist of the colourful oyster phenotypes used as donors in French Polynesia, and 2) investigate the phenotypic relation between inner shell colouration and the corresponding colour of harvested pearls. With the support of a pearl farmers' network, we investigated the different donor phenotype frequencies among five collection sites (Ahe, Apataki, Takaroa, Takume and Mangareva). This donor evaluation was made during grafting of pearl oysters (N=49,938) obtained from collector stations. Results showed that pearl production is mainly based on six common colourful donor phenotypes classified as monochromatic and polychromatic profiles, which shown different frequencies among the collection sites. Experimental grafts (N=4640) were then realised and subsequent culture conducted at a single site in order to avoid pearl colour variation due to environmental influences. Traceability between donors (N=232) and pearls (N=2776), revealed that: 1) yellow (gold) and aubergine (reddish) pearls could be mostly obtained by using the monochromatic yellow and red donor phenotypes, respectively, and 2) one third to one quarter of grey pearls was inevitably harvested, whatever the polychromatic phenotype chosen as the donor, which leaves at least half the harvest composed of the attractive green and peacock colours. This preliminary stocklist of colour range together with analysis of the colour phenotype transmission between inner shell and pearl provide the basis for producing multiple pearl oyster “colour lines” through hatchery propagation and would be helpful for future selective breeding programs. Statement of relevanceDonor shell colour selection predict colours of pearls

Is pearl colour produced fromPinctada margaritiferapredictable through shell phenotypes and rearing environments selections?

The black-lipped pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera, is the most important farmed mollusc species in French Polynesia. Donor oyster selection among wild P. margaritifera individuals, chosen according to their inner shell colour, makes it possible to obtain the broadest range of cultured pearl colours of any species. This study demonstrates the relative influence of using black [B] or red [R] outer shell phenotypes, combined with green [G] or yellow [Y] inner shell phenotypes, on pearl darkness level, colour categories and lustre. A large scale grafting experiment was designed and carried out over five grow-out locations, covering three archipelagos: Tuamotus, Society and Gambier. Results revealed that the [B + G] phenotypes may be used as donors to produce dark green pearl, which suit the demands of the Asian market; whereas, phenotypes incorporating [R] and/or [Y] phenotypes may be used to obtain multicolour pearls of medium/light darkness, which suit the demands of the European market. From an environmental point of view, the 1) [B] phenotype showed no significant variation for light and other pearl colour production, and 2) [Y] phenotype produced both the same rate of pearl darkness level and green colour pearls whatever the grow-out location. A classification tree model was built to predict, according to shell phenotype and culture location, the colour and darkness level of harvested pearls. Lustre was shown to be more influenced by the environment than by phenotype. These results should be taken into account in pearl farm production management and in selective breeding programmes.

Is sustainable development a motor or a constraint for the professionalization of the pearl oyster industry in Tahiti?

This article reports the results of a survey of the pearl oyster industry in French Polynesia territory. Its purpose is to examine the perceptions of the priorities for the development of this industry towards sustainable development. These perceptions were apprehended by a survey of pearl oyster farmers and other stakeholders of the sector (management authorities, scientists). After describing the methodological protocol of these investigations, it comes to confront the priorities chosen by professionals (i.e. pearl farmers) concerning sustainable development, with the perceptions of others stakeholders in the sector. Secondly it comes to build a typology of the priorities of pearl farmers concerning sustainable development. This analysis enables the assessment of the degree of convergence within the sector, which is the base material for defining a shared action plan at the territory scale. This is the first study compiling data of surveys of various professionals and stakeholders of the pearl farming industry in such a large area in French Polynesia.

Conches of the Caribbean: the Blessing of the Pink Pearl

Conches of the Caribbean: the Blessing of the Pink Pearl