Stimulating investment in pearl farming in ... - World Fish Center

Page 42. BACKGROUNDPast research suggests that black-lip and possibly white-lip pearl farming could be technicallyand economically feasible in Solomon Islands. The WorldFish project ‘StimulatingInvestment in Pearl Farming in the Solomon Islands’, of which this study forms a part, aimsto carry earlier research on pearl oyster distribution, life history and culture in SolomonIslands into an economic development phase by encouraging the engagement of overseasinvestors in the industry. The project, which is funded by EU-STABEX funds, involvesstudies of a number of relevant areas, including:• consolidating information from past research on pearl oysters in Solomon Islands;• assessing status of white-lip pearl stocks;• management policy and regulatory guidelines;• investment and business climate for pearl farming.These reports are being made available to potential investors who will be invited to visitSolomon Islands to assess pearl farming development prospects from their own perspectives.The present study concerns management, regulation and licensing of pearl farming activitiesin Solomon Islands. Experience from other countries shows that a balance needs to be struckbetween not imposing undue restrictions, burdens, or red tape on commercial operators, andensuring that the industry develops in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Inparticular, aspects of the industry will need to be controlled to ensure that benefits toSolomon Islanders are maximised, husbandry techniques minimise the risk of diseaseoutbreaks among the farmed oysters, and operational practices do not cause environmentaldamage or social disruption.The report discusses the major issues that have affected or influenced pearl industrymanagement in other countries, and suggests approaches that would be suitable for SolomonIslands. Information has been gathered from published literature, media, interviews andconversations with relevant stakeholders, and industry documentation, some of which wasprovided in confidence. The topics covered are those specified in the consultant’s terms ofreference, viz.:• carrying capacity for pearl oysters;• mechanisms to deliver benefits to smallholders;• access payments to customary owners;• implementation of culturally sensitive operations;• regulations to protect investments;• marketing strategies;• penalties for violations;• incentives for investors;• opportunities for smallholders to progressively increase their involvement in theindustry; and• a framework for the industry to operate in an environmentally and sociallysustainable way and establish a reputation for Solomon Islands as a producer offine pearls.Discussion of these topics does not exactly follow the order or the headings listed above, buthas been organised so as to allow the logical development and argument of ideas andapproaches.