The latest information on pearl farming in Tahiti

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.

To this end, GIE Tahiti Pearl Auction has sought logistical support and partnership from the Maison de la Perle to organize this historic first sale.

The official pearl presentation began on Friday, November 16, 2012, at the Maison de la Perle, located at Place Kohu Kino in the Paofai Gardens. Buyers can view the available lots until Tuesday, November 20, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The auction will officially open on Wednesday, November 21, 2012, at 8:00 AM, under the presidency of Marine Resources Minister Temauri Foster, in the Hibiscus Room of the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort. The day will conclude with a closing ceremony followed by a dinner.

Over 60 international buyers from Japan, Hong Kong, China, Canada, and Europe, along with local buyers, will participate in this event. For this inaugural auction, nearly 350,000 Tahitian cultured pearls will be offered for sale by GIE Tahiti Pearl Auction.

Strict quality control of nuclei remains a critical issue for the future of the pearl farming sector in French Polynesia.

The seized nuclei, derived from giant clams, produce low-quality pearls with no market value, as they are unsuitable for nacre work. Their use is strictly prohibited under decree 1240/CM of August 30, 2007, which sets the standards for authorized nuclei. These five seizures represent nearly 435,000 banned nuclei — the equivalent of as many pearls that could have tarnished the image of excellence associated with the Tahitian pearl on the international market.

Aware of the economic impact and the fragility of the “Tahitian Pearl” label, customs authorities, at the request of the Ministry of Marine Resources, have stepped up inspections. Controls now extend to imported nuclei, pearls circulating within the territory, and exports, ensuring the preservation of Polynesian quality.

Close collaboration between customs and the Directorate of Marine Resources has led to the implementation of sophisticated control procedures, using advanced technology to identify imported materials. These repeated interventions reflect the authorities’ commitment to protecting a sector vital to the Polynesian economy while complying with international environmental standards.