Pearling combines the wild-harvest of Pinctada maxima – the world’s largest pearl producing oyster – by hand, by divers, limited through a quota, from the coastal waters of the Kimberley and Pilbara, with Aquaculture for the growing of the pearls. Pearl oysters are used to grow pearls on farm leases.

Pearling combines the wild-harvest of Pinctada maxima – the world’s largest pearl producing oyster – by hand, by divers, limited through a quota, from the coastal waters of the Kimberley and Pilbara, with aquaculture for the growing of the pearls. Pearl oysters are used to grow pearls on farm leases.

Pearling has an average annual value of $120 million and is the second most valuable Western Australian fishing industry.

The industry has invested in new technology that has enabled the production of pearl oysters reared in hatcheries, which reduces the reliance on wild-stocks.

A total allowable catch for wild-stock pearl oysters is set each year by the Department of Fisheries. 17 licensees hold the individual transferable quota units.  The fishery has successfully passed an independent Ecological Sustainable Management audit by the Commonwealth Government to ensure it is being managed in a sustainable way.

Black pearls (Pinctada margratifera) are farmed in Shark Bay and the Abrolhos Islands.

For more information, contact Brett McCallum at the Pearling Producers Association.

Further resources:

Department of Fisheries State of Fisheries Report

Department of Fisheries Species Information

Commonwealth Government Ecological Sustainable Management