3,500 pearl oysters were reintroduced into their natural environment in an attempt to revive reproduction and, consequently, the entire pearl industry.

For several years, professionals in the sector have noticed a significant decline in collection—the crucial process of capturing pearl larvae used to produce the famous black pearls. This decline has been confirmed by annual assessments conducted by the Marine Resources Department (DRM), highlighting a worrying situation for this island, whose economy relies mainly on pearl farming.



Mangareva, which alone accounts for 33% of French Polynesia's pearl production, can only rely on its own biological resources: as the importation of mother-of-pearl is strictly prohibited, the natural reproduction of oysters is vital for the future of the sector.

It is in this context that a DRM team visited the site from December 13 to 17, in collaboration with pearl farmers, to carry out a restocking operation in the lagoon. Thanks to the mobilization of several committed professionals—Benoît Urarii, Thomas Essen, James Gooding, Puea Taerea, Hoarai Urarii, and Joseph Teakarotu—and their teams, 3,500 mother-of-pearl shells were placed in areas carefully selected by scientists from IRD and IFREMER.

The oysters, which are mature and ready to spawn, were placed on natural substrates accessible by free diving. Pearl farmers will now monitor them regularly to observe the evolution of these populations and hopefully ensure their active participation in future spawning.





“Re-seeding is already a first step. It mobilizes and raises awareness among pearl farmers. If it works, we will do it often,” says James Gooding, one of the people involved in this initiative.