With less than six weeks until the 2024 CIBJO Congress in Shanghai, the CIBJO Pearl Commission has published its sixth pre-congress Special Report. Led by Kenneth Scarratt, the report focuses on environmental and biochemical studies related to pearls and the ecosystems of pearl oysters. It examines how these factors affect pearl farming, marketing, and product quality.
One key concern highlighted is the rise of microplastics in pearl-farming waters. Research indicates these pollutants may disrupt the biomineralization processes in oysters. Scarratt emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring of microplastics and better regulation of plastic disposal.
The report also addresses regenerative pearl farming. Sustainable value expert Pierre Fallourd discusses the challenges of maintaining production alongside sustainability, particularly under Australia’s strict conservation policies, as noted by Peter Bracher from the Paspaley Pearling Company.
This detailed analysis illustrates the growing connection between scientific research and the future of the pearl industry. The report includes insights from organizations such as DANAT (Bahrain Institute for Pearls & Gemstones), the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and Ryuichiro Machizawa, General Manager at K. Mikimoto & Co. in Japan.
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