A Month of Strong Progress for the Tongan Mabe Pearl Industry

Cultured pearls are the Pacific region’s most valuable and promising aquaculture commodity. They are an ideal trade and export commodity for island communities as pearls are high in value whilst being light-weight and non-perishable. Pearl culture is compatible with traditional lifestyles and provides opportunities for income generation at a number of levels. The industry is environmentally benign and helps to preserve marine environments by imparting a value and utilisation to these areas.