Named Poe Tahiti Écloserie, this new facility aims to meet the growing needs of an industry under pressure.
Each year, more than 90 million spat are needed to supply the Polynesian pearl industry. Until now, this resource came mainly from natural collection in the lagoons of Takapoto, Ahe, and Manihi. These sites, which were once abundant, are now showing signs of depletion. “It's catastrophic,” laments Steve Pommier, founder of the new hatchery. He points to climate change and the overexploitation of broodstock as the main causes of this decline.
A family project born of a long-term vision
The idea for this hatchery did not come about overnight. As early as 2010, Steve Pommier and his wife had ambitions to create their own breeding center, with the aim of enriching the color palette of their pearls. A pearl farmer since 1997, Steve made numerous attempts, even going as far as prospecting in Japan and Indonesia, without success. The real breakthrough came in 2017, when he met the Marissal family, pioneers of pearl hatcheries in Polynesia.
Originally based in Charente-Maritime, France, the Marissal family has spent decades perfecting a unique method for breeding Pinctada margaritifera, the local pearl oyster. Their site in Fakarava now produces 10 million spat per year—a volume that is insufficient to meet growing demand. A natural partnership between the two families was therefore formed.
Transfer of know-how and close supervision
Beyond technology, the Marissal family is passing on a wealth of expertise to the Pommiers. Tamaiva Pommier, Steve's son, underwent a year of comprehensive training in Fakarava, participating in all stages of production. The supervision continues: the Marissals will oversee the crucial spawning phase twice a year. “We have authorization to produce up to six million spat per year, with the goal of obtaining three million per spawning,” says Steve Pommier.
Covering 525 m², the hatchery currently employs five people—laboratory technicians, divers, and laborers—all recruited locally. “Ultimately, we will need a team of ten people,” he anticipates.
Promising first spawning
On June 11, the first spawning took place. Three days later, the premises were officially inaugurated. Half of the 250 broodstock prepared laid eggs. The larvae are now being raised in tanks for about 20 days, fed with phytoplankton grown on site, before spending five months in the nursery. They will then be transferred to the lagoon. A full year is required before they can be sold to pearl farmers, who will then have to wait another year to begin pearl cultivation.
A commitment to a sustainable model
Beyond production, the Pommier family wants their project to be environmentally friendly. A deposit system will be set up to recover the sown oyster bed supports, to prevent them from ending up at the bottom of the lagoon, as is still too often the case.
For Steve Pommier, this project, which has been in the works for over 15 years, has become vital. “It's a matter of survival for the industry,” he says. While his initial goal of diversifying pearl colors remains intact, it has now taken a back seat. The priority is to supply spat to the Arutua farms. “And I'm not sure we'll be able to meet the entire demand,” he concludes.
Facing a decline in pearl oyster spat collection, an essential element for oyster production, this operation aims to restore oyster populations and strengthen local pearl output.
Operation Details
During this two-day effort, a total of 3,500 mature pearl oysters were reseeded in specific sites identified by researchers from IRD and Ifremer. These adult oysters will serve as a foundation for future reproduction, with the hope that their reintroduction will stimulate natural spawning in the lagoon.
James Gooding, a local pearl farmer, emphasized that this initiative is not just an ecological gesture but also a way to raise awareness among farmers about environmental challenges and strengthen community cooperation. He added that if successful, additional reintroductions could be considered in the future.
Economic and Symbolic Importance
The Tahitian pearl remains an economic cornerstone for French Polynesia, accounting for 70% of local exports. The Gambier Islands, in particular, play a major role in this industry, contributing around 33% of the territory’s total pearl production.
What sets Polynesian pearl farming apart is that oysters are cultivated directly in the wild, unlike in other producer countries (such as Indonesia, Myanmar, or the Philippines), where hatcheries are used.
Oysters are placed on ropes in the lagoon for about six months, where they feed and grow before being harvested. This natural method not only produces unique pearls but is also considered more environmentally sustainable.
Future Goals
This reintroduction aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the pearl industry while restoring the health of local marine ecosystems. Pearl farmers in the region continue to monitor the reintroduced oysters and hope they will enhance the resilience of pearl production against future ecological and economic challenges.
A key focus of the council was the protection of lagoons, which are vital to the long-term viability of pearl farming. Waste management was a central topic. The Marine Resources Directorate (DRM) has launched a tender to continue repatriating waste from the Tuamotu-Gambier islands (13 islands involved) over the next three years, reducing marine pollution. This initiative builds on previous efforts and seeks to stabilize the situation while improving control over waste generated by the pearl industry.
An upcoming regulatory project will require producers to develop individual waste management plans, encouraging greater commitment to environmentally responsible practices. The use of compostable materials will also be promoted to minimize the industry’s ecological footprint.
2. Promoting Local Employment
One of the strategic priorities is boosting local employment within pearl farms through concrete actions:
Training local grafters: The Polynesian Center for Maritime Professions (CMMPF) will launch a specialized pearl oyster grafting course in October. The program, designed for about a dozen workers with experience in pearl farms, includes one month of theory in Rangiroa and five months of on-site training at farms. This initiative aims to enhance local expertise and gradually reduce reliance on foreign labor.
Minimum activity criteria: The Council introduced a minimum activity threshold for pearl farms, requiring production of at least 200 pearls per hectare over two years and a minimum number of employees. Farms failing to meet these standards risk losing their maritime concessions and public domain permits, with penalties including revocation of producer status after two years of inactivity.
3. Management of Maritime Concessions and Operations
A significant reform was adopted regarding maritime concessions. To ensure sustainable and serious operations, the Council decided to withdraw—or even cancel—public domain permits from inactive farms after two years (or four years for first-time applicants). Farms must maintain a baseline level of activity, including oyster grafting, pearl production, and sales, to retain their concessions.
4. Strengthening Sales Strategies
A new sales strategy is being developed to better promote Polynesian pearls in international markets. While details are yet to be released, the approach will likely emphasize innovation, product quality, and traceability.
Conclusion
These decisions aim to enhance the pearl industry’s sustainability by balancing environmental preservation, economic development, and local employment. Training local grafters and setting minimum activity criteria reflect the government’s commitment to securing the sector’s future while creating opportunities for local professionals. Monitoring the impact of these measures on the Tahitian pearl industry in the coming years will be crucial.
Founded in 2014 following the dissolution of La Maison de la Perle, the TPAFP was intended to unite pearl industry stakeholders and promote Tahitian pearls. However, within its first year, membership dropped from 11 to just 5 organizations, signaling a failure in its core mission. This decline has undermined the association’s credibility and legitimacy among industry professionals.
2. Governance Failures
The CTC report identifies serious governance issues:
No systematic meeting minutes – Decisions lack proper documentation.
Missing agendas – Meetings often lack structure, disrupting operations.
Dysfunctional General Assembly – The decision-making body fails to fulfill its role.
Statutory non-compliance – Governance rules are frequently ignored, with insufficient conflict-of-interest safeguards, jeopardizing the organization’s integrity.
3. Poor Financial Management
The association’s financial practices were heavily criticized:
Mismanagement of subsidies – Despite receiving 436 million Fcfp (2014–2019), fund allocation remains unclear.
Deficient accounting – No clear internal controls, leading to opaque spending of public funds.
Lack of expenditure oversight – Resources are poorly allocated due to weak financial supervision.
4. Ineffective Promotion Strategy
The TPAFP’s promotional efforts—both locally and internationally—were deemed inefficient:
Uncontrolled foreign association funding – International promotion was outsourced without direct oversight, diluting strategic control.
Excessive spending – Non-competitive procurement and inflated costs raised questions about value for money.
Unfair local vendor access – Preferential treatment for certain providers cast doubt on transparency in partnerships.
5. Corrective Measures Proposed
To address these shortcomings, some reforms were introduced in 2020, including direct partnerships with foreign associations. However, the CTC argues that the TPAFP’s very existence should be reassessed. Key recommendations include:
Strategic realignment – Refocus promotion efforts for measurable impact.
6. Conclusion: A Crucial Crossroads
The TPAFP stands at a pivotal juncture. Its poor governance, financial mismanagement, and lack of industry trust call into question its ability to effectively promote Tahitian pearls. Urgent reforms are needed to restore credibility and ensure the association can fulfill its role in sustaining Polynesia’s pearl industry.
Without decisive action, the TPAFP risks becoming obsolete—a costly missed opportunity for a sector vital to French Polynesia’s economy.
Seriously injured, the man was treated by his colleagues before being stabilized by the medical team at the clinic. He must be evacuated urgently to Tahiti. This rare and tragic accident occurred on Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. in the calm waters of Rikitea Lagoon. Shortly after entering the water, a pearl diver was violently attacked by what appears to be a large tiger shark, according to the victim's initial statements. The information was revealed by our colleagues at TNTV and confirmed by the local clinic's doctor.
Quickly rescued by his colleagues, the injured man received first aid on site, including a tourniquet, before being rushed to the medical center. Thanks to the responsiveness of the medical teams, he was stabilized. His condition is not life-threatening, but the severity of the injury requires his medical evacuation to Tahiti.
This is not the first time a tiger shark has been spotted in the area. Last week, one reportedly attempted to attack a diver by biting his fin. These disturbing reports raise questions about the growing presence of these predators in the lagoon.
When contacted, Stéphane Paeamara, second deputy mayor of Rikitea, pointed out that “the lagoon is open to the ocean, and large sharks enter it, along with other pelagic fish.” This geographical configuration makes any form of control or prevention difficult.
While shark attacks remain rare in French Polynesia, this incident has reignited concerns among pearl farmers, who dive in these waters every day to carry out their work.
Siméon, a staunch opponent of the project, expresses fears about the ecological risks associated with pearl farming, particularly the introduction of non-native pearl oysters that could bring parasites into Rangiroa’s lagoon. He also points out that the chosen site is a fish spawning ground, warning that it could lead to the disappearance of certain species in the area.
Siméon’s main argument is that the project should be moved to avoid conflicts with local fishermen and preserve the fishing zone. However, his opposition is not shared by all atoll residents. Léon, another local, recalls that a pearl farm previously operated in the same location without causing environmental issues or depleting fish stocks.
On the other hand, Marc, a local fisherman, supports the project, emphasizing that the pearl farm operator has obtained all necessary permits and paid for his maritime concession since 2019—long before the disruptions caused by the pandemic. He suggests that the dispute may actually stem from neighborhood conflicts.
Despite the tensions, the project’s operator has chosen not to comment on the situation. The story highlights the divisions within the local community regarding the development of the pearl industry and its impact on the environment and traditional activities.
Real estate agency Thisse is currently offering Anuanurunga Atoll for sale, located in the central-western Tuamotu archipelago between Anuanuraro and Nukutepipi.
This isolated speck of land—part of the Duke of Gloucester Islands group alongside Anuanuraro, Nukutepipi and Herehetue—is marketed as offering "peace and tranquility in the South Pacific." The asking price remains undisclosed.
Anuanurunga neighbors notable properties: Anuanuraro, formerly owned by pearl magnate Robert Wan, was repurchased by the French Polynesian government in 2002; while Nukutepipi has belonged to Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté since 2007.
Steeped in history, the atoll was first discovered in 1606 by a Spanish expedition that named the archipelago "Cuatro Coronas" (Four Crowns). Today, a new chapter begins for Anuanurunga—its future awaiting the right buyer.
Dubbed the "Abu Dhabi Pearl", this prehistoric gem—considered the oldest ever discovered—will be unveiled to the public starting October 30, according to the emirate’s cultural authorities.
Unearthed on Marawah Island, off the coast of the UAE capital, the pearl was excavated by a team of archaeologists and now belongs to the Zayed National Museum. It stands as evidence of pearl harvesting practices dating back to the Neolithic era, as confirmed by radiocarbon dating, which places its formation between 5,800 and 5,600 BCE.
The pearl will be showcased in the "10,000 Years of Luxury" exhibition, where visitors will have the chance to admire this ancient treasure alongside 350 other iconic artifacts on loan from prestigious French museums. The event will run from October 30 to February 18 at the famed dome-clad museum.
For Mohammed Khalifa al-Moubarak, head of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, this discovery highlights the deep cultural and economic roots of the Gulf—long before the era of oil or cultured pearls.
Experts suggest these ancient pearls were used as trade currency with Mesopotamia, exchanged for pottery, or worn as prestige ornaments. The pearl industry, once thriving in the Gulf, reached its peak before declining in the 1930s with the rise of cultured pearls and the first oil drills.
Through this exhibition, the Louvre Abu Dhabi redefines the concept of luxury, exploring 10 millennia of history—with the Abu Dhabi Pearl as one of its most striking jewels.
Thomas Esen, a respected industry leader, was chosen to chair the committee. After two hours of robust discussion, he was selected to represent Rikitea's producers on Tahiti's Pearl Commission. His mandate: bridging grassroots realities with policymaking at the territorial level.
The island's exponential growth underscores this initiative's importance—Rikitea now dedicates 2,000 hectares to pearl farming, up from just 1,300 two years ago. This rapid expansion demands better organization, sustained institutional dialogue, and stronger professional coordination.
For Esen, the committee marks a pivotal advance: "We must speak with one voice, structure ourselves, and collaborate to address our industry's challenges—whether production crises, quality standards, or market difficulties."
The body will also serve as an information hub, communicating new regulations and decisions affecting farmers. This promises swifter responses and better adaptation to industry changes.
By pioneering this model, Rikitea sets a precedent other islands may soon follow—ushering in strengthened local governance for pearl farming through professional solidarity.
This initiative offers a chance to rediscover mother-of-pearl, often called the "black gold of the atolls," through vintage postcards depicting this fundamental Polynesian activity.
Mother-of-pearl played a vital role across the Eastern Pacific, serving not only as material for tools and ceremonial ornaments but also for crafting body adornments. Pearls extracted from pearl oysters were transformed into pendants and other valuable objects. The significance of pearl shell fishing became evident from the first encounters between islanders and Europeans, revealing ancestral expertise that has endured through centuries.
A report from 1863 provides a glimpse into the lives of Polynesian divers of that era, highlighting their remarkable agility and diving techniques. These divers—primarily from local families—could reach impressive depths of 25 to 30 meters in the Tuamotu lagoons to retrieve oysters, which were then consumed or sold to traders. This knowledge was passed down through generations, fostering a symbiotic relationship with the ocean.
By the 19th century, South Seas trade flourished, with mother-of-pearl standing alongside whale oil, copra, and fruit as prized commodities. As early as 1820, Polynesian mother-of-pearl was sought after in major European cities, where it was crafted into diverse objects like fans, jewelry boxes, dice, dominoes, and buttons—all in high demand.
Pearl oyster harvesting in Polynesian lagoons evolved rapidly, with fishermen increasingly specializing in collecting large specimens. Tuamotu divers gained worldwide recognition for their skill in gathering oysters from sometimes extreme depths. However, intensive exploitation by traffickers and pearl companies—lasting until the 1950s—depleted natural resources in some of the richest areas.
The introduction of diving suits in the 1880s and the first diving goggles in 1908 modernized fishing techniques. The required diving depths to extract shells from coral beds gradually increased, making pearl shell fishing ever more technical and complex. Polynesia's richest deposits were identified and exploited on a large scale starting in the 1850s, marking a turning point in the region's pearl cultivation history.
Oysters, members of the vast mollusk family, share a common ancestor with worms, snails, and octopuses. Some 550 million years ago—long before the Cambrian explosion—the first nacre-producing bivalves appeared, giving rise to over 8,000 bivalve species, 2,800 of which can produce pearls. The Pinctada margaritifera, or black-lipped oyster, is the iconic species of Polynesian waters. Found across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, it yields pearls ranging from white-gray to black, with Polynesia’s cumingii variety producing unique iridescent black pearls.
From Traditional Harvest to Overexploitation
Ancient Polynesians used mother-of-pearl and pearls for ceremonial and artisanal objects. However, with the arrival of Europeans, demand for mother-of-pearl surged, opening new markets. Traditional diving-based harvesting was initially sustainable, but by the 19th century, organized overexploitation had depleted shallow-water oyster populations. Mother-of-pearl became a prized commodity, used for buttons and fashion accessories.
Pearl Farms of Polynesia: From Experiment to Billion-Dollar Industry
By the 1950s, overfishing threatened wild oysters, prompting the establishment of an experimental pearl farm in Hikueru in 1961—marking the birth of pearl aquaculture in Polynesia. Under the leadership of Jean-Marie Domard and with the expertise of a Japanese grafter, the experiment succeeded, revealing Tahitian pearls' immense potential. This breakthrough led to private farms, propelling Polynesia into a thriving industry.
The 1980s saw explosive growth, with pearl exports exceeding 10 billion CFP francs by 1990. Yet a decade-long crisis—driven by overproduction and declining quality—tested the industry. Strict regulations and patience eventually spurred its revival. Today, despite fluctuations, pearl farming remains French Polynesia’s second-largest source of foreign revenue.
The Empire of Robert Wan
In 1974, Robert Wan entered the pearl industry by acquiring Tahiti Perles. He became the world’s largest producer and exporter of black pearls, elevating Polynesia onto the global luxury stage. Though the 1998 market crash forced a pause, his eventual comeback solidified his status as a titan of the pearl trade.
From humble beginnings to its current brilliance, the Tahitian pearl remains an inseparable gem in French Polynesia’s history and economy—a legacy as enduring as the ocean that nurtures it.
The story of this find resembles a modern fairy tale. When his boat's anchor got caught on a massive giant clam off the coast of Palawan, the fisherman discovered a pearl of staggering dimensions: 30 centimeters thick by 60 centimeters wide. The man, completely unaware of the astronomical value of his treasure, simply kept it for years as a good-luck charm, carefully stored under his bed in his modest thatch-roofed hut.
"I was stunned when I saw it on the kitchen table," confided the tourism officer, recounting her first encounter with this extraordinary gem. "I immediately made the fisherman understand that hiding such a treasure was pointless and that it deserved to be displayed to the public."
Weighing an impressive 14 kilograms, this titanic pearl far surpasses the previous record held by the famous "Pearl of Allah" or "Lao Tzu Pearl," also discovered in Palawan's waters in the 1930s and valued at several tens of millions of dollars.
Since Monday, the precious object has been on display in a secured glass case at Puerto Princesa City Hall, the island's capital. Local authorities eagerly await the official assessment by international gemologists to confirm the authenticity and estimate the value of what could be one of the most significant gemological discoveries of the century.
Richard Ligad, a municipal officer of Puerto Princesa, wanted to clarify: "The fisherman has not signed any donation documents to the city. This extraordinary pearl therefore remains legally his property." An important detail as the potential value of this discovery could reach dizzying heights on the international market.
He has since clarified the matter, revealing that he is primarily offering his expertise — without direct financial investment — in a prestigious venture born from an unexpected encounter.
During a luncheon with Miss Tahiti and her runners-up, Robert Wan spoke about this unique collaboration.
"I had the honor of meeting the Queen of Qatar, who briefly stayed in Polynesia, where she acquired many pearls. We stayed in touch, and one day she asked me to help revive her country’s pearl heritage," he shared.
Before the rise of oil and gas, the Gulf Emirates were renowned for the exceptional quality of their natural pearls.
Determined to rekindle this ancestral tradition and pass it on to younger generations, the sovereign called upon Robert Wan’s expertise to establish a pearl farm producing white pearls comparable to those of Japan.
"I haven’t invested any money; she is the one who funded the project," Robert Wan clarified.
The first harvests are already showing delicate shades of pink and champagne, with the much-anticipated golden tones expected soon.
It is an exciting adventure for the master of the black pearl, who also sees in this initiative a tremendous opportunity to promote Tahitian pearls throughout Qatar, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the entire Persian Gulf.
Mireille Haoatai, the island’s mayor, reaffirmed her priority: to breathe new life into the local pearl industry.
Welcoming a ministerial delegation, the mayor delivered a clear assessment: the pearl sector has sharply declined, mainly due to difficulties related to the management of maritime concessions.
Today, around 1,000 pearl farmers remain, compared to 4,000 at the peak of activity.
To reverse this trend, Mireille Haoatai is banking on a “produce better” strategy, relying on scientific research.
She is counting on Ifremer’s expertise to support pearl farmers in improving pearl quality by “helping nature” produce more consistent gems with brighter colors.
Present during the visit, the Minister for Overseas Territories, George Pau-Langevin, praised this approach and assured the State’s support for Ifremer’s research.
She also highlighted the importance of restoring the image of the Polynesian pearl, suggesting it be showcased at the next Salon de l’Agriculture — a prestigious platform to captivate the general public and rekindle interest in this natural treasure.
For his part, the President of French Polynesia, Edouard Fritch, emphasized the need to reform the industry.
Citing Australia as an example — where pearl farming is concentrated among a handful of companies that focus on quality and strict management of waste discharged into the sea — he called on Polynesian stakeholders to draw inspiration from this model.
The government encourages a fresh start based on self-monitoring and operator accountability, to guarantee exceptional pearls and ensure a sustainable industry.
In Manihi, the cradle of the Tahitian cultured pearl, hope for a renaissance is emerging — driven by political will, scientific research, and a renewed commitment to quality.
During a presentation organized by the Ministry of Marine Resources and the Maison de la Perle, sector representatives voiced strong opposition, accusing the government of attempting to seize control of the pearl ecosystem.
Aline Baldassari-Bernard, President of the Professional Pearl Producers Union (SPPP), acknowledged that while the project appears theoretically sound, it remains unworkable in Polynesia's context. United in their resistance, industry players condemned the lack of consultation, criticizing the government's unilateral imposition of this crisis recovery plan.
Modeled after Italy's Parma Ham Consortium, the proposal calls for a complete restructuring of Tahitian pearl commerce by July 2013, including:
Creation of the Tahiti Pearl Consortium (a mixed-capital purchasing center)
Establishment of an international distribution company
However, professionals expressed concerns about:
✔ The consultation's exorbitant costs
✔ Potential exclusion of longstanding Japanese and Chinese buyers
✔ Political encroachment on an already vulnerable industry
In protest, pearl farmers submitted an official letter to President Oscar Temaru, denouncing what they view as political interference in their commercial operations.
This achievement stems from close collaboration between CMNP, SEFI, and pearl industry professionals.
The 21st cohort, comprising 10 pearl farming trainees, was commended for their dedication. During their first year, students completed:
Skills refresher courses
Professional Diving Diploma Level 1 (DPP1)
Comprehensive pearl production training
The 20th grafting specialization cohort achieved excellent results: 7 of 9 trainees certified after four-month internships. This success reflects the commitment of private/public partners who provided practice materials. Graduates now qualify as professional grafters - a pivotal industry role.
Selection for the 22nd cohort admitted 11 new trainees through rigorous psychotechnical testing. They'll begin with SEFI-upgrading courses before full integration at Rangiroa.
Bruno Maetz, renowned pearl farmer, attested during CMNP's advisory council to graduates' value-added contributions, noting their work ethic and efficiency. He plans continued recruitment from future cohorts.
CMNP Director Rosita Leduc reaffirmed the center's mission to train skilled professionals vital to pearl farm success. Since its 1988 establishment, CMNP remains French Polynesia's premier grafting specialization hub, strengthening sector professionalism.
During this visit, Philippe Mauguin discovered some of the most beautiful Tahitian cultured pearls, specially selected for the Meherio 2011 competition — a striking glimpse into the local know-how and the natural wealth of the fenua.
Sorting and Expertise: A Rigorous Process
Jessica Champs, head of sorting and classification, offered a detailed presentation of the methods used to grade pearls by quality.
This demonstration highlighted the exceptional diversity and added value of Polynesian pearls.
Strengthened Quality Control
Vaihere Mooria, in charge of quality control within the pearl farming department, explained the different verification steps — from visual sorting to X-ray inspection — ensuring a minimum nacre thickness of 0.8 mm, a key quality guarantee for exportation.
Official Congratulations
Impressed by the initiatives put in place to preserve product quality, Philippe Mauguin praised the country’s efforts to enhance the value of its emblematic sector.
Heading to Rangiroa
Continuing his visit, the National Director of Fisheries will travel to Rangiroa to meet with the teams of the Center for Mother-of-Pearl and Pearl Trades (CMNP), further deepening his understanding of the profession and its on-the-ground realities.
Currently, a dozen job seekers registered with SEFI are taking part in a specialized training program delivered by FPS Formation at the Centre des Métiers de la Nacre et de la Perle (CMNP) in Rangiroa for the 2011/2012 session.
A Comprehensive and Immersive Training Program
Welcomed by representatives of the Ministry of Pearl Farming, the Pearl Farming Service, and the Maison de la Perle, the trainees were introduced to the inner workings of the industry.
The visit, organized between the quality control unit and the Maison de la Perle headquarters, highlighted the crucial steps of grading and marketing cultured pearls.
The young participants were also educated about quality control procedures, including the use of X-ray machines to verify the minimum thickness of the nacre layer — a guarantee of authenticity and value.
A Strong Message from Minister Temauri Foster
While on a trip to New Caledonia, Minister of Pearl Farming Temauri Foster sent a message of encouragement to the trainees.
He reminded them that success in this sector requires “skill, hard work, dedication, willpower, and motivation.”
Promising Prospects Despite Industry Challenges
From oyster production to the profession of pearl grafter, the industry offers numerous opportunities for specialization.
Professional training remains a crucial step for entering the workforce or creating one’s own pearl farm.
Despite the current economic challenges, the trainees are driven by the ambition to shape the most beautiful Polynesian gems of tomorrow.
The Key Role of the CMNP
Funded by the 5th European Development Fund, the CMNP has established itself as a vital player in training for pearl farming professions.
It currently hosts 23 student trainees, all determined to write a new chapter in the pearl-farming history of French Polynesia.
This mission marked the very first official visit of the Administrator to Arutua and reflects the desire to bring State services closer to the local population.
The DRCL took the opportunity to test a mobile kit enabling the issuance of biometric passports.
Thanks to this tool, fifteen residents were able to complete their applications on site, thus avoiding long and costly trips to Papeete.
Arutua also made history by hosting, for the first time in the Tuamotu, the Journée Défense et Citoyenneté (JDC, formerly JAPD) in a participatory and modern format designed to better engage young people in civic life.
The GSMA presented its training programs to the local youth.
The meeting revealed a genuine interest, although somewhat tempered by persistent lack of awareness regarding the administrative procedures necessary for registration.
In total, nearly forty young people were able to complete their JDC directly on their atoll, thus avoiding a trip to Tahiti — a step forward in territorial inclusion.
The delegation also visited municipal infrastructure, ongoing construction projects, and several pearl farms.
These exchanges with pearl farmers highlighted the sector’s difficulties while underlining its central role in the local economy.
To face the pearl industry crisis, the atolls are betting on diversification.
In Arutua, a coconut grove regeneration nursery is under development, while in Kaukura, an organic vanilla plantation illustrates ongoing efforts to innovate in agriculture.
The announcement was made by Temauri Foster, Minister of Marine Resources in charge of pearl farming, in a clear effort to preserve the image of excellence associated with the Tahitian pearl.
These rejects, originating from the pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera var. cumingii, are excluded from any commercialization or export, in compliance with current regulations.
Presenting defects such as calcite deposits, devitalized areas, or insufficient nacre thickness, these pearls do not meet the strict quality standards set by the profession.
During export inspections, such rejects are systematically separated before being destroyed under supervision.
To support pearl farmers in this quality-focused initiative, the State provides compensation at a rate of 50 XPF per gram of rejects kept, up to a limit of 500 grams per hectare per year.
This measure aims to encourage the rigorous elimination of non-compliant products.
In 2010, 155 producers already benefited from this assistance, with a total of 233,118 pearls compensated — illustrating a determined policy to strengthen the value of the “Tahitian Pearl” label.
To review its achievements, a restitution day will be held on Wednesday, November 3, 2010, starting at 8:30 a.m. in the Presidency’s meeting room, under the aegis of the Ministry of Maritime Resources.
This event will bring together the key players of the sector: pearl farmers, institutional representatives, and industry professionals. Among the participants will be the Minister of Maritime Resources, Temauri Foster, as well as members of the Maison de la Perle. The gathering will be an opportunity to present the tangible results of the EDF project, including itinerant technical training, the international market study, and the latest scientific advances related to pearl farming.
1. Itinerant Training: A Success Among Pearl Farmers
For two years (April 2008 – June 2010), free training sessions were delivered directly on pearl farms. Ten expert trainers covered various fields: grafting, tool-making, grading, marketing, accounting management, and diving.
Funded by the EDF, these sessions complemented the training offered by the Rangiroa Center for the Professions of Mother-of-Pearl and Pearl Farming (CMNP), active since 1990. The results speak for themselves: 641 training sessions were held across 20 islands and atolls, reaching a wide audience. A satisfaction survey shows that 96% of participants were satisfied with the trainers and content, while 92% expressed the desire for these programs to continue.
2. Scientific Research: Understanding Lagoons to Optimize Production
The scientific component focused on the hydrodynamics of pearl farming lagoons, with Ahe and Takaroa as case studies. Researchers developed a numerical model of lagoon currents, based on bathymetric surveys and current measurements collected over two years.
These data, combined with studies on the dispersion of pearl oyster larvae, allowed for a better understanding of spat collection variations. Another major advance was the analysis of the oysters’ food sources, resulting in predictive models for their growth and reproduction.
A compilation of technical fact sheets summarizing this research will be distributed to pearl farmers during the restitution day.
3. International Market: A Strategy to Enhance the Value of the Tahitian Pearl
Conducted by the Italtrend consulting firm, an in-depth study analyzed market trends and distribution channels. The final report, presented in June 2010 in Papeete, offers a marketing strategy adapted to evolving demand.
This document, considered essential for industry professionals, will be distributed once again during the November 3 restitution day, providing pearl farmers with concrete tools to strengthen their competitiveness.
On November 3, 2010, in the reception hall of the Presidency, Mr. Gaston Tong Sang delivered a landmark speech during the European Development Fund (EDF) review day dedicated to the pearl industry. Addressing key sector stakeholders, he emphasized the strategic importance of pearl farming for Polynesia’s economy while outlining a roadmap for its future.
A Vital Sector Facing Challenges
From the outset, Gaston Tong Sang acknowledged the presence of Minister of Maritime Resources Temauri Foster, as well as industry professionals and pearl farmers, highlighting their central role in this heritage-driven sector. He recalled the industry’s historic dynamism while acknowledging current challenges—particularly declining prices and the need for reinvention.
Despite these hurdles, he urged optimism, citing the encouraging results of the recent Bora Bora auctions, where pearl quality made a decisive difference. "Tahitian pearls remain an exceptional product, and it is on this excellence that we must build," he declared.
Expertise, Research & Partnerships: Keys to Revival
His speech emphasized:
Enhancing technical skills among pearl farming businesses
Deepening knowledge of lagoon ecosystems to ensure premium production
Strengthening partnerships with the European Union and scientific institutions, whose research has led to major advances in sustainable pearl farming
When invited to speak, Minister Temauri Foster outlined ongoing government measures to support the sector, reaffirming institutional commitment to its revival.
A Call to Unite Forces
In closing, Gaston Tong Sang reiterated the unwavering support of the Polynesian government for pearl farmers, urging them to pool their efforts in promoting Tahitian pearls globally. "Let us combine our energies, as we do for tourism, to ensure pearls remain a jewel of our economy," he stated.
His speech ended with a heartfelt "Mauruuru" (thank you), expressing gratitude to all who work daily to preserve this Polynesian tradition and treasure.
Moving Forward Together
With this united vision—blending tradition, innovation, and shared ambition—French Polynesia reaffirms its determination to secure a bright future for its legendary pearl industry.
The main objective of the Committee is to improve the quality of black pearls from French Polynesia, a major export product for the Territory. In recent months, the territorial government has taken measures to prevent low-quality pearls sold at cheap prices from entering the market, imposing stricter quality controls.
These decisions led to a significant drop in prices at the international auctions held in Papeete. To better regulate the sector, a systematic census of all producers was launched in November 2001, with completion scheduled for June 2003. Given that French Polynesia covers an area comparable to that of Europe, this is a considerable undertaking.
Among the measures announced is the issuance of a professional identity card to producers who have completed mandatory training workshops. The Committee now has the authority to recommend the granting and renewal of this card, as well as to impose disciplinary sanctions in case of violations of local regulations.
Chaired by the President of French Polynesia, Gaston Flosse, who also oversees the administration of the pearl farming sector, the Committee brings together representatives of the local government and the pearl industry.
During a visit to China in October 2002, Mr. Flosse obtained a reduction of the import tax on Tahitian black pearls from 24% to 10%, by securing “most favored nation” status for French Polynesia.
The pearl industry currently represents nearly 7,000 jobs in Tahiti, spread over about 1,000 pearl farms throughout the archipelago. After record growth in 1998 and 1999 (+23% in revenue), the sector experienced a slowdown in 2000. Today, Tahiti produces nearly a quarter of the world’s cultured black pearls.
