The Basic Methods of Pearl Farming: A Layman's Manual - CTSA

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Basic Methods of Pearl FarmingA slight water currentA current is beneficial, since water exchange provides a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to thepearl oysters. Water exchange also helps prevent a build-up of waste products beneath the farm thatcould cause problems with water quality. It is important to observe both surface and bottom currents ata site, since in some areas the surface current may appear to be adequate, but the bottom current may bemuch less. Waste products can then accumulate underneath the farm. Areas with fast currents or roughwater, however, are difficult to work in and possibly harmful to the pearl oysters. Therefore, only slightcurrents are tolerable. Areas with stagnant water or rotting seaweed present are also not good sites.A site that can be watched and protectedPearl oysters are valuable and theft is common. Locating the farm within sight of your house will helpprevent this. Additionally, boats or fishing activity can damage lines, so look for areas with little trafficor activity. By avoiding conflicts with other users of the area, your farm will be safer from damage andtheft.A site where the farm lines or other farm structures can be securely anchored.There are two ways to secure the main line and anchor lines. One way is to tie them to rocks or coralheads that occur naturally on the farm site; the other is to use artificial anchors like concrete blocks orsand screws. However, tying off the lines to rocky areas is by far the easier and more secure method.A healthy reefIt is important to maintain the condition of coral reef areas. Pearl oysters grow best when their environmentis healthy. Therefore, take care not to break or damage corals when setting up the farm – thehealth of your farm depends on the health of the reef.Although it is usually most convenient to tie main lines and anchor lines to rock or coral areas, avoiddisturbing corals if possible. Never tie lines onto large, protruding coral heads. Coral heads make pooranchoring points since they are fragile and break easily. Pick areas where the lines can be tied to thesolid base of the reef structure and where little coral will be broken. Coral will rapidly grow around theends of the lines tied to it and over racks anchored on the bottom. Bare, rocky areas with minimal coralcover are the best spots on which to tie lines.Also take care not to break the coral by standing on it, by allowing farm lines to drop over the reef, oranchoring boats to coral areas. Establish a mooring buoy near your farm instead of anchoring directlyon the coral, or tie the boat to the farm line itself.Page 22
How to setup the farmHow to setup the farmPearl farms require only very simple structures, the main purpose of which is to provide some means ofholding pearl oysters off the bottom. There are three basic types of farm structures: Tahitian longlines(so-called because they are the most common method used in Tahiti), rafts and underwater trestles.You can also use some combination of these, depending on your needs and location.1. The Tahitian Longline MethodA Tahitian longline is simply a length of strong line (main line) held in place by anchor lines and keptafloat by buoys. Proper placement of the anchors and buoys keeps the longline at the correct depth (SeeFigure 7 - longline illustration). The longline can be used to hang chaplets, pocket panels, lanternbaskets or spat collectors.Figure 7. “Tahitian” long line. A mainline is hung from a series of anchor lines kept suspended by floats interspersedalong the line. Longlines can be used to hang chaplets, spat collectors or pocket panels. Modified from Gervis andSims (1992).This method is favored because the entire farm structure is below water so the farm is hidden andprotected from damage from rough weather and boats. Additionally, material costs are low and shouldthe need arise, the lines can be moved more easily than with other types of farm structures. Onedisadvantage to the longline method is the need to dive to work on the farm.Since the longline method is the most commonly used in the Pacific, only this method will be describedin detail. It takes two people working underwater and at least one person in a boat to establish aPage 23
Page 1 and 2: CTSA Publication No. 127The Basic M
Page 3 and 4: Table of ContentsTable of ContentsA
Page 5 and 6: AcknowledgmentsAcknowledgmentsThe a
Page 7 and 8: IntroductionIntroductionThe purpose
Page 9 and 10: A short history of pearl cultureA s
Page 11 and 12: Benefits of pearl cultureBenefits o
Page 13 and 14: Basic biology and ecologyBasic biol
Page 15 and 16: Basic biology and ecologyPearl oyst
Page 17 and 18: Overview of pearl farmingOverview o
Page 19 and 20: Determining if pearl farming is pos
Page 25: Selecting a siteSelecting a site fo
Page 29 and 30: How to setup the farmA word about d
Page 31 and 32: How to setup the farm3. Underwater
Page 33 and 34: Preparing the pearl oysters for han
Page 35 and 36: Guidelines for keeping pearl oyster
Page 37 and 38: General farm managementGeneral farm
Page 39 and 40: Handling and transportHandling and
Page 41 and 42: Handling and transportTransporting
Page 43 and 44: Spat collectionSpat collectionSpat
Page 45 and 46: Spat collectionLeave about 13 in (3
Page 47 and 48: Spat collectionIn the southern hemi
Page 49 and 50: Spat collectionSpat are very sensit
Page 51 and 52: Disease and other causes of deathDi
Page 53 and 54: Disease and other causes of deathOt
Page 55 and 56: Nucleus implantation (grafting)Nucl
Page 57 and 58: Nucleus implantation (grafting)Pear
Page 59 and 60: Nucleus implantation (grafting)Post
Page 61 and 62: HarvestHarvestHarvest pearls when t
Page 63 and 64: Half-pearl (mabe) implantationHalf-
Page 65 and 66: Half-pearl (mabe) implantationFigur
Page 67 and 68: Selling pearls and pearl productsSe
Page 69 and 70: Selling pearls and pearl productsOn
Page 71 and 72: AppendixAppendixBudgets for small a
Page 73 and 74: ($48,145 - $38,713)AppendixTable 2.
Page 75 and 76: Table 5. Costs (for operating farm
Page 77 and 78:
GlossaryGlossaryBaroque: irregularl
Page 79 and 80:
SuppliersSuppliers of aquaculture a
Page 81 and 82:
SuppliersAquatic Ecosystems Inc.176
Page 83 and 84:
BibliographyBibliographyGeorge, C.D
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The Basic Methods of Pearl Farming: A Layman's Manual - CTSA

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