A Quota System for Sustainable Development

The management of this sector relies on a quota system designed to ensure sustainable development and prevent negative impacts on the environment. This system aims to guarantee:

• Sustainable harvesting from the natural environment
• Minimal impact of pearl farming on the marine ecosystem
• Optimal returns for the State through strict management of hatcheries and preservation of the reputation of Australian South Sea pearls to maintain high prices

A Structured Industry Generating Employment

Today, 16 companies hold operating licenses and manage a total of 572 production units supplied by natural stocks and 350 hatcheries. Together, they employ approximately 1,500 people in the remote Kimberley region of northwestern Australia.

The design, implementation, and monitoring of industry management are entrusted to the Pearling Section of the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. This department oversees wild and hatchery harvests, monitors stock status, manages disease prevention and treatment, ensures regulatory compliance, and provides public education. It also allocates and directly administers leases and licenses for pearl farms.

An Industry Facing Global Challenges

The Pearling Section also provides operational support to the Pearling Industry Advisory Committee, created under the 1990 Pearling Act, and works closely with the Pearl Producers Association, the industry’s representative body.

In recent years, the sector has experienced difficult times. The global drop in pearl prices has led to production rationalization. The allocation of marine areas to pearl farms has become a source of tension with other users in the Kimberley region.

Strengthening Environmental Obligations

The promulgation of the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act of 1999 introduced a new requirement: pearl farmers must now assess the environmental impact of their practices to retain their right to export pearls. Anticipating this regulation, many producers have implemented their own environmental management systems to secure the sustainability of their operations.

A Monograph to Take Stock

This monograph highlights the main challenges facing the industry and describes the solutions implemented through the current management systems.