Diamonds might be a girl's best friend, but pearls could soon be the oceans'

World's first pearl fishery enters MSC assessment for sustainability

Via MARKETWIRE
October 7, 2015

EMERYVILLE, CA – In a world first, Australian Pearl Producers Association (PPA) have entered the Australia pearl oyster fishery to be assessed against the MSC's standard for sustainable fishing. If the fishery achieves certification, this could influence the pearl industry globally and feed the demand for a growing market of people who don't just want to eat sustainable options but want to wear them too.

Speaking from the fishery in Broome, Western Australia, Executive Officer of PPA, Aaron Irving is ecstatic at this game-changing move.

"People care about sustainability and healthy bountiful oceans and hopefully, if we achieve certification, they'll be able to wear that sustainability with the world's first MSC certified pearls," said Mr. Irving.

From the pristine waters of Western Australia and Northern Territory, the pearl fishery which produces pearls, pearl meat and mother of pearl products will be examined over a 12 to 18 month by a team of independent scientists to determine whether it meets MSC standard.

MSC Asia Pacific Director, Patrick Caleo, is looking forward to welcoming this unique fishery into the program.

"We always think of seafood when we think of fishing but here we have a fishery that will change how we view fishing, sustainability and the different ways we can look after our ocean," said Mr. Caleo.

"There's a growing number of people who want to do good by their oceans but also want to look good. If certified, the pearl fishery will allow that discerning customer to not only eat sustainable seafood but also wear jewelry that has positive impacts on our oceans."

The fishery turns around AUS$60 - $80 million per year, making it the second most valuable fishery in Western Australia.