WA pearl oysters re-certified under Marine Stewardship Council
Western Australia’s pearling industry is shining brightly this week after achieving its successful recertification under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) sustainability standard.
With the initial certification in 2017, it became the first gem fishery in the world to achieve the standard recognising the sustainable fishing of Pinctada maxima oysters to produce pearls and other products.
The recertification expands the sustainability credentials of the pearling industry to include hatchery-produced pearl oysters grown in WA’s pristine northern waters, as well as the collection of pearl oysters from the wild.
WA has world-leading fisheries management and research programs that provide the basis for the sustainable harvest of our fish resources for the benefit of the community.
There are currently 12 WA fisheries that hold the internationally recognised ‘gold standard’ MSC certification, including the West Coast Rock Lobster Managed Fishery – the first fishery in the world to receive the MSC tick, and most recently Rare Foods Australia’s abalone ocean ranching operation.