| In French Polynesia, black pearl cultivation now takes place on about 30 of the 118 atolls or islands. This activity has largely replaced copra, coconut oil and fishing as a source of income. Around 1,000 pearl farms, generally small ones of less than 5 ha, are registered. The pearl farms are mainly owned by families. In 1998, about 7,000 persons were employed in theentire pearl industry, from production to retailing. In value, this activity represents the first exportation of French Polynesian products. From 1988 to date, exports increased exponentially before leveling. Starting with less than two kilograms in 1972, exports have now stabilized at Il tons of "black" pearls. |
