This initiative, focused on transforming discarded shells into calcium soil amendments, opens promising prospects for local agriculture and reducing reliance on imports.

The Process of Valorizing Oyster Shells

The method developed by Kotuku Fakarava to convert shells into a useful agricultural product involves several key steps:

Fine Grinding of Shells – The shells are first crushed into a fine powder, rich in calcium, an essential nutrient for soil health.

Screening – The powder is then sifted to achieve a fine, uniform texture, ideal for soil amendment.

Use as a Calcium Amendment – This powder is applied to neutralize soil acidity, a common issue in French Polynesia, where acidic soils can reduce crop yields. The oyster shell powder offers a local, sustainable alternative to imported fertilizers.

Benefits for Local Agriculture

Agricultural soils in Polynesia often suffer from excessive acidity, limiting crop productivity. The calcium amendment derived from oyster shells could provide several advantages:

Improved soil structure, promoting better plant growth,

Reduced dependence on imported products, enhancing regional food self-sufficiency,

A local, eco-friendly, and sustainable solution.

Testing Phase and Promising Results

The project is currently in the experimental phase across several agricultural sites, including the Moorea Agricultural High School. Early results indicate that the oyster shell-based amendment is as effective—if not superior—to traditional imported products used for soil pH correction. This could revolutionize the supply of agricultural inputs in Polynesia.

Other Potential Applications

Beyond soil amendment, the project is exploring additional uses for oyster shells:

Poultry Farming – Coarser shell fragments can serve as a calcium supplement in poultry feed.

Innovative Concrete Production – A study is underway to test the use of shells in construction materials, which are in high demand for local building projects.

Economic and Environmental Prospects

This initiative aligns with a growing trend in French Polynesia to better utilize pearl farming byproducts, particularly mother-of-pearl, in order to:

Develop a local industry around waste transformation,

Reduce dependence on imported equivalents (such as calcium amendments),

Create local economic opportunities while supporting sustainable agriculture and livestock farming.

This project could also inspire other stakeholders to explore new ways of valorizing pearl farming byproducts, contributing to a more circular and sustainable economic model for the region.