Women Harvest Half-Pearls In Fiji

THE Ministry of Fisheries in collaboration with the University of the Sunshine Coast has for the past few years carried out pearl oyster research around the country as part of a project funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

Under the project entitled "Developing pearl industry-based livelihoods in the Western Pacific", pilot half-pearl farms have been set-up in three communities at Raviravi in Macuata, Natuvu in Cakaudrove and Namarai Village in the Ra province.

Fisheries Ministry's public relations officer Kuini Waqaisavou said half-pearls are semi-spherical pearls produced using the winged pearl oyster (Pteria penguin) that is collected as by-catch when harvesting black-lip pearl oysters pearl oysters (Pinctada margaritifera) that are used for round pearl production.

"Half-pearls are easier to produce and do not require the inputs of highly skilled technicians like round pearls," she said.

Article source: http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=374038