Overall Progress

Continuing success in the hatchery production of blacklip pearl oysters in Kiribati has supported expansion of Project activities and establishment of a 'demonstration pearl farm' at Abaiang which currently holds around 80,000 oysters. The farm provides a focal point for Project research and for training members of the community and Fisheries personnel in pearl oyster culture techniques. It currently maintains seeded pearl oysters, from which pearls will be harvested in 2003, as well as oysters to be seeded for pearl production in 2003. Hatchery production will also support expansion of Project activities to other islands in Kiribati though the establishment of five satellite farms planned for 2003. Concurrent with these developments, a Pearl Oyster Coordinating Committee (POCC) has been established which brings together representatives of relevant Ministries and other agencies. The POCC has been approved by the Government of Kiribati, to which it will provide advice relating to development of a cultured pearl industry in Kiribati. A draft Development Plan has been formulated to provide a framework for this process. It addresses relevant technical and political issues and will be amended during the Project on the basis of Project outcomes. Project research in Tonga was successful in producing hatchery-reared blacklip pearl oyster juveniles, which will provide a basis for future research to develop suitable culture methods for juvenile and adult oysters.

The three major research objectives of this Project extension are:

Objective 1 - Development towards a cultured pearl industry in Kiribati.

Production of pearls at Abaiang atoll, Kiribati using hatchery-bred oysters;
Approximately 1,000 hatchery-reared oysters were seeded for pearl production in August 2001. Pearls will be harvested in August 2003 when a second seeding of 5,000 oysters will be conducted. Detailed reports of the seeding in 2001 are appended (Appendix 1 & 2).

Establish experimental cultured pearl farms at Abaiang atoll, Kiribati;
A second farm has been established in Abaiang lagoon; however, further discussions between MNRD, Abaiang Island Council and the Ministry of Home Affairs are required regarding community involvement in this farm. A second experimental farm will be established at Abaiang during 2003. The siting of this farm and the degree of community involvement will be determined through discussions between Abaiang Island Council, MNRD and the Ministry of Home Affairs

Examine the rate of spat collection of P. margaritifera at Kiritimati (Christmas) Island (Line Islands, Kiribati) and determine growth rates of spat/juveniles under culture conditions;
MNRD personnel based at Kiritimati Island have been trained in pearl culture and spat collection methods. Spat collection/culture equipment will be sent to the island in early 2003 to begin spat collection studies.

Conduct surveys of appropriate islands in the Gilbert group and Kiritimati Island to determine potential sites for future pearl culture;
Fisheries Assistants from Butaritari, Onotoa and Abemama have been trained in pearl culture techniques at Abaiang and have returned to their home islands. It was initially planned to send oyster spat to these islands in 2002 to assess growth rates, and for senior project staff to visit the islands to assess potential culture sites in the same year. However, these activities will now take place in 2003.

Facilitate formulation of a Cultured Pearl Industry Management and Development Plan for Kiribati;
A draft Cultured Pearl Industry Management and Development Plan has been completed via the Pearl Oyster Coordinating Committee (POCC). The POCC has been approved by Cabinet and will provide advice to the Minister on the development of a cultured pearl industry in Kiribati. The Plan will be amended during the Project on the basis of Project outcomes.

Objective 2 - Produce P. margaritifera spat through hatchery culture in Tonga.

Hatchery production of P. margaritifera spat in Tonga;
A hatchery run and training of two Fisheries staff was undertaken in Nov/Dec 2001. Approximately 300,000 spat were produced. Spat were divided between Vava'u and Sopu for nursery culture. A second hatchery run planned for late 2002 was postponed until 2003.

Assess growth and survival of oyster juveniles under culture conditions.
Spat transferred to Vava'u were all lost as a result of Cyclone Waka in early 2002. Approximately 1,350 hatchery reared spat from Sopu were used to establish nursery experiments at Sopu and Vava'u, to determine growth rates in different culture units.

Objective 3 - Produce up to date culture manual for P. margaritifera.

Obtain relevant literature relating to cultivation of P. margaritifera and research into pearl quality from French Polynesia and Cook Islands;
Literature relating to pearl quality and oyster cultivation has been gathered from Polynesia and other sources. This process is on-going. The information gathered will be used to update the Culture Manual (see below) which will be completed in 2003.

Revise/update the Culture Manual produced during FIS97/31.
New information relating to spat collection, spat identification, oyster cultivation and pearl quality has been written into the document and this process will continue as more relevant information comes to hand. The document will be completed by the end of 2003.

Overall Progress

Continuing success in the hatchery production of blacklip pearl oysters in Kiribati has supported expansion of Project activities and establishment of a 'demonstration pearl farm' at Abaiang which currently holds around 80,000 oysters. The farm provides a focal point for Project research and for training members of the community and Fisheries personnel in pearl oyster culture techniques. It currently maintains seeded pearl oysters, from which pearls will be harvested in 2003, as well as oysters to be seeded for pearl production in 2003. Hatchery production will also support expansion of Project activities to other islands in Kiribati though the establishment of five satellite farms planned for 2003. Concurrent with these developments, a Pearl Oyster Coordinating Committee (POCC) has been established which brings together representatives of relevant Ministries and other agencies. The POCC has been approved by the Government of Kiribati, to which it will provide advice relating to development of a cultured pearl industry in Kiribati. A draft Development Plan has been formulated to provide a framework for this process. It addresses relevant technical and political issues and will be amended during the Project on the basis of Project outcomes. Project research in Tonga was successful in producing hatchery-reared blacklip pearl oyster juveniles, which will provide a basis for future research to develop suitable culture methods for juvenile and adult oysters.

The three major research objectives of this Project extension are:

Objective 1 - Development towards a cultured pearl industry in Kiribati.

Production of pearls at Abaiang atoll, Kiribati using hatchery-bred oysters;
Approximately 1,000 hatchery-reared oysters were seeded for pearl production in August 2001. Pearls will be harvested in August 2003 when a second seeding of 5,000 oysters will be conducted. Detailed reports of the seeding in 2001 are appended (Appendix 1 & 2).

Establish experimental cultured pearl farms at Abaiang atoll, Kiribati;
A second farm has been established in Abaiang lagoon; however, further discussions between MNRD, Abaiang Island Council and the Ministry of Home Affairs are required regarding community involvement in this farm. A second experimental farm will be established at Abaiang during 2003. The siting of this farm and the degree of community involvement will be determined through discussions between Abaiang Island Council, MNRD and the Ministry of Home Affairs

Examine the rate of spat collection of P. margaritifera at Kiritimati (Christmas) Island (Line Islands, Kiribati) and determine growth rates of spat/juveniles under culture conditions;
MNRD personnel based at Kiritimati Island have been trained in pearl culture and spat collection methods. Spat collection/culture equipment will be sent to the island in early 2003 to begin spat collection studies.

Conduct surveys of appropriate islands in the Gilbert group and Kiritimati Island to determine potential sites for future pearl culture;
Fisheries Assistants from Butaritari, Onotoa and Abemama have been trained in pearl culture techniques at Abaiang and have returned to their home islands. It was initially planned to send oyster spat to these islands in 2002 to assess growth rates, and for senior project staff to visit the islands to assess potential culture sites in the same year. However, these activities will now take place in 2003.

Facilitate formulation of a Cultured Pearl Industry Management and Development Plan for Kiribati;
A draft Cultured Pearl Industry Management and Development Plan has been completed via the Pearl Oyster Coordinating Committee (POCC). The POCC has been approved by Cabinet and will provide advice to the Minister on the development of a cultured pearl industry in Kiribati. The Plan will be amended during the Project on the basis of Project outcomes.

Objective 2 - Produce P. margaritifera spat through hatchery culture in Tonga.

Hatchery production of P. margaritifera spat in Tonga;
A hatchery run and training of two Fisheries staff was undertaken in Nov/Dec 2001. Approximately 300,000 spat were produced. Spat were divided between Vava'u and Sopu for nursery culture. A second hatchery run planned for late 2002 was postponed until 2003.

Assess growth and survival of oyster juveniles under culture conditions.
Spat transferred to Vava'u were all lost as a result of Cyclone Waka in early 2002. Approximately 1,350 hatchery reared spat from Sopu were used to establish nursery experiments at Sopu and Vava'u, to determine growth rates in different culture units.

Objective 3 - Produce up to date culture manual for P. margaritifera.

Obtain relevant literature relating to cultivation of P. margaritifera and research into pearl quality from French Polynesia and Cook Islands;
Literature relating to pearl quality and oyster cultivation has been gathered from Polynesia and other sources. This process is on-going. The information gathered will be used to update the Culture Manual (see below) which will be completed in 2003.

Revise/update the Culture Manual produced during FIS97/31.
New information relating to spat collection, spat identification, oyster cultivation and pearl quality has been written into the document and this process will continue as more relevant information comes to hand. The document will be completed by the end of 2003.

Year 6 (01/01/2003-31/12/2003)
The major highlight of project research during 2003 was the first harvest of cultured pearls at the Demonstration Pearl Farm at Abaiang in Kiribati. Continuing success in hatchery production of blacklip pearl oysters in Kiribati has supported expansion of project activities at the Demonstration Farm and at satellite farms on other islands in the Gilbert Group (Abemama, Butaritari, Onotoa). Spat collection trials have now been established at Kiritimati Island (Christmas Island). A hatchery run was conducted in Tonga in November/December 2003. Resulting spat will be graded in early 2004 and used for the establishment of experiments documenting growth rate and investigating optimal culture conditions in Tonga. Preliminary growth rate data for P. margaritifera spat produced in an earlier hatchery run in Tonga have been generated. Growth rates in Tonga compare well to growth rates recorded at other sites within the Pacific for P. margaritifera.
Progress against the three major research objectives of this project extension is summarised below.
1 Development towards a cultured pearl industry in Kiribati
The first harvest of cultured pearls from Kiribati took place at Abaiang in August 2003. About 200 pearls were harvested and a further 4000 oysters were grafted for pearl production. Appraisal of the pearls was undertaken by Mr. Rudy Zingg of Devino P/L (Sydney).
An experimental cultured pearl farm has been established at Tebunginako at Abaiang atoll. About 2000 pearl oysters are housed at the farm, which is maintained by three local people who have previously been trained in pearl oyster culture methods at the Demonstration Pearl Farm at Abaiang.
Spat collectors were first established at Kiritimati Island in July 2003. A second longline with other collectors was established in August 2003. Both longlines were deployed and are maintained by MNFRD staff based at Kiritimati. Some pearl oyster recruits were recorded from spat collectors towards the end of 2003. However, these are still to be positively identified as P. margaritifera.
Longlines were established at Abemama, Butaritari and Onotoa in mid-2003. Pearl oysters were deployed to Butaritari and Onotoa at the end of June 2003 and to Abemama in September 2003. Each of the three islands has a 60 m longline (Butaritari has 2 lines) holding between 4000 and 5000 oysters. Growth rates of oysters at Butaritari and Onotoa have been excellent. Oysters were deployed with a dorso-ventral height (shell length) of 5-8 mm. By the end of 2003, they had reached 50-60 mm in shell length.
A draft Cultured Pearl Industry Management and Development Plan was developed through the Pearl Oyster Coordinating Committee (POCC) during 2003. The committee has been approved by Cabinet and will provide advice to the Minister on the development of a cultured pearl industry in Kiribati. The plan will be amended during the project on the basis of project outcomes.
2 Production of P. margaritifera spat through hatchery culture in Tonga
The first hatchery run conducted in Tonga in 2001 resulted in a significant number of spat. Unfortunately, many of these died as a result of Cyclone Waka in 2002. Surviving spat were used for limited growth trials begun in 2002 which have provided data on the growth rates of P. margaritifera juveniles under culture conditions in Tonga. More extensive growth trials will be conducted in 2004 with spat resulting from the most recent hatchery run conducted in November/December 2003.
Hatchery production of P. margaritifera spat was conducted in Tonga in November/December 2003. Unfortunately, unusually low water temperatures (22-25C) resulted in an extended larval life. While P. margaritifera larvae would normally be expected to complete larval development in about 18-20 days, larvae were not removed from culture tanks into settlement tanks until Day 37. Nevertheless, the extended larval period provided good opportunity for training of local staff. Four local fisheries staff and a member of the Pearl Oyster Cooperative from Vava'u were trained in methods related to hatchery culture and feeding of pearl oysters. Approximately 50,000 larvae survived to be placed into settlement tanks, however, the number of spat produced will not be known until spat collectors are harvested in early 2004.
3 Production of up to date culture manual for P. margaritifera
New information relating to spat collection, spat identification, oyster cultivation and pearl quality has been written into the Culture Manual produced during the earlier project (FIS/1991/031). This process will continue as more relevant information comes to hand. The document will be completed by the end of 2004. Literature relating to pearl quality and oyster cultivation gathered from Polynesia and other sources with assistance from SPC, has also been included.

Overall Progress

Continuing success in the hatchery production of blacklip pearl oysters in Kiribati has supported expansion of Project activities and establishment of a 'demonstration pearl farm' at Abaiang which currently holds around 80,000 oysters. The farm provides a focal point for Project research and for training members of the community and Fisheries personnel in pearl oyster culture techniques. It currently maintains seeded pearl oysters, from which pearls will be harvested in 2003, as well as oysters to be seeded for pearl production in 2003. Hatchery production will also support expansion of Project activities to other islands in Kiribati though the establishment of five satellite farms planned for 2003. Concurrent with these developments, a Pearl Oyster Coordinating Committee (POCC) has been established which brings together representatives of relevant Ministries and other agencies. The POCC has been approved by the Government of Kiribati, to which it will provide advice relating to development of a cultured pearl industry in Kiribati. A draft Development Plan has been formulated to provide a framework for this process. It addresses relevant technical and political issues and will be amended during the Project on the basis of Project outcomes. Project research in Tonga was successful in producing hatchery-reared blacklip pearl oyster juveniles, which will provide a basis for future research to develop suitable culture methods for juvenile and adult oysters.

The three major research objectives of this Project extension are:

Objective 1 - Development towards a cultured pearl industry in Kiribati.

Production of pearls at Abaiang atoll, Kiribati using hatchery-bred oysters;
Approximately 1,000 hatchery-reared oysters were seeded for pearl production in August 2001. Pearls will be harvested in August 2003 when a second seeding of 5,000 oysters will be conducted. Detailed reports of the seeding in 2001 are appended (Appendix 1 & 2).

Establish experimental cultured pearl farms at Abaiang atoll, Kiribati;
A second farm has been established in Abaiang lagoon; however, further discussions between MNRD, Abaiang Island Council and the Ministry of Home Affairs are required regarding community involvement in this farm. A second experimental farm will be established at Abaiang during 2003. The siting of this farm and the degree of community involvement will be determined through discussions between Abaiang Island Council, MNRD and the Ministry of Home Affairs

Examine the rate of spat collection of P. margaritifera at Kiritimati (Christmas) Island (Line Islands, Kiribati) and determine growth rates of spat/juveniles under culture conditions;
MNRD personnel based at Kiritimati Island have been trained in pearl culture and spat collection methods. Spat collection/culture equipment will be sent to the island in early 2003 to begin spat collection studies.

Conduct surveys of appropriate islands in the Gilbert group and Kiritimati Island to determine potential sites for future pearl culture;
Fisheries Assistants from Butaritari, Onotoa and Abemama have been trained in pearl culture techniques at Abaiang and have returned to their home islands. It was initially planned to send oyster spat to these islands in 2002 to assess growth rates, and for senior project staff to visit the islands to assess potential culture sites in the same year. However, these activities will now take place in 2003.

Facilitate formulation of a Cultured Pearl Industry Management and Development Plan for Kiribati;
A draft Cultured Pearl Industry Management and Development Plan has been completed via the Pearl Oyster Coordinating Committee (POCC). The POCC has been approved by Cabinet and will provide advice to the Minister on the development of a cultured pearl industry in Kiribati. The Plan will be amended during the Project on the basis of Project outcomes.

Objective 2 - Produce P. margaritifera spat through hatchery culture in Tonga.

Hatchery production of P. margaritifera spat in Tonga;
A hatchery run and training of two Fisheries staff was undertaken in Nov/Dec 2001. Approximately 300,000 spat were produced. Spat were divided between Vava'u and Sopu for nursery culture. A second hatchery run planned for late 2002 was postponed until 2003.

Assess growth and survival of oyster juveniles under culture conditions.
Spat transferred to Vava'u were all lost as a result of Cyclone Waka in early 2002. Approximately 1,350 hatchery reared spat from Sopu were used to establish nursery experiments at Sopu and Vava'u, to determine growth rates in different culture units.

Objective 3 - Produce up to date culture manual for P. margaritifera.

Obtain relevant literature relating to cultivation of P. margaritifera and research into pearl quality from French Polynesia and Cook Islands;
Literature relating to pearl quality and oyster cultivation has been gathered from Polynesia and other sources. This process is on-going. The information gathered will be used to update the Culture Manual (see below) which will be completed in 2003.

Revise/update the Culture Manual produced during FIS97/31.
New information relating to spat collection, spat identification, oyster cultivation and pearl quality has been written into the document and this process will continue as more relevant information comes to hand. The document will be completed by the end of 2003.

Overall Progress

Continuing success in the hatchery production of blacklip pearl oysters in Kiribati has supported expansion of Project activities and establishment of a 'demonstration pearl farm' at Abaiang which currently holds around 80,000 oysters. The farm provides a focal point for Project research and for training members of the community and Fisheries personnel in pearl oyster culture techniques. It currently maintains seeded pearl oysters, from which pearls will be harvested in 2003, as well as oysters to be seeded for pearl production in 2003. Hatchery production will also support expansion of Project activities to other islands in Kiribati though the establishment of five satellite farms planned for 2003. Concurrent with these developments, a Pearl Oyster Coordinating Committee (POCC) has been established which brings together representatives of relevant Ministries and other agencies. The POCC has been approved by the Government of Kiribati, to which it will provide advice relating to development of a cultured pearl industry in Kiribati. A draft Development Plan has been formulated to provide a framework for this process. It addresses relevant technical and political issues and will be amended during the Project on the basis of Project outcomes. Project research in Tonga was successful in producing hatchery-reared blacklip pearl oyster juveniles, which will provide a basis for future research to develop suitable culture methods for juvenile and adult oysters.

The three major research objectives of this Project extension are:

Objective 1 - Development towards a cultured pearl industry in Kiribati.

Production of pearls at Abaiang atoll, Kiribati using hatchery-bred oysters;
Approximately 1,000 hatchery-reared oysters were seeded for pearl production in August 2001. Pearls will be harvested in August 2003 when a second seeding of 5,000 oysters will be conducted. Detailed reports of the seeding in 2001 are appended (Appendix 1 & 2).

Establish experimental cultured pearl farms at Abaiang atoll, Kiribati;
A second farm has been established in Abaiang lagoon; however, further discussions between MNRD, Abaiang Island Council and the Ministry of Home Affairs are required regarding community involvement in this farm. A second experimental farm will be established at Abaiang during 2003. The siting of this farm and the degree of community involvement will be determined through discussions between Abaiang Island Council, MNRD and the Ministry of Home Affairs

Examine the rate of spat collection of P. margaritifera at Kiritimati (Christmas) Island (Line Islands, Kiribati) and determine growth rates of spat/juveniles under culture conditions;
MNRD personnel based at Kiritimati Island have been trained in pearl culture and spat collection methods. Spat collection/culture equipment will be sent to the island in early 2003 to begin spat collection studies.

Conduct surveys of appropriate islands in the Gilbert group and Kiritimati Island to determine potential sites for future pearl culture;
Fisheries Assistants from Butaritari, Onotoa and Abemama have been trained in pearl culture techniques at Abaiang and have returned to their home islands. It was initially planned to send oyster spat to these islands in 2002 to assess growth rates, and for senior project staff to visit the islands to assess potential culture sites in the same year. However, these activities will now take place in 2003.

Facilitate formulation of a Cultured Pearl Industry Management and Development Plan for Kiribati;
A draft Cultured Pearl Industry Management and Development Plan has been completed via the Pearl Oyster Coordinating Committee (POCC). The POCC has been approved by Cabinet and will provide advice to the Minister on the development of a cultured pearl industry in Kiribati. The Plan will be amended during the Project on the basis of Project outcomes.

Objective 2 - Produce P. margaritifera spat through hatchery culture in Tonga.

Hatchery production of P. margaritifera spat in Tonga;
A hatchery run and training of two Fisheries staff was undertaken in Nov/Dec 2001. Approximately 300,000 spat were produced. Spat were divided between Vava'u and Sopu for nursery culture. A second hatchery run planned for late 2002 was postponed until 2003.

Assess growth and survival of oyster juveniles under culture conditions.
Spat transferred to Vava'u were all lost as a result of Cyclone Waka in early 2002. Approximately 1,350 hatchery reared spat from Sopu were used to establish nursery experiments at Sopu and Vava'u, to determine growth rates in different culture units.

Objective 3 - Produce up to date culture manual for P. margaritifera.

Obtain relevant literature relating to cultivation of P. margaritifera and research into pearl quality from French Polynesia and Cook Islands;
Literature relating to pearl quality and oyster cultivation has been gathered from Polynesia and other sources. This process is on-going. The information gathered will be used to update the Culture Manual (see below) which will be completed in 2003.

Revise/update the Culture Manual produced during FIS97/31.
New information relating to spat collection, spat identification, oyster cultivation and pearl quality has been written into the document and this process will continue as more relevant information comes to hand. The document will be completed by the end of 2003.

Year 6 (01/01/2003-31/12/2003)
The major highlight of project research during 2003 was the first harvest of cultured pearls at the Demonstration Pearl Farm at Abaiang in Kiribati. Continuing success in hatchery production of blacklip pearl oysters in Kiribati has supported expansion of project activities at the Demonstration Farm and at satellite farms on other islands in the Gilbert Group (Abemama, Butaritari, Onotoa). Spat collection trials have now been established at Kiritimati Island (Christmas Island). A hatchery run was conducted in Tonga in November/December 2003. Resulting spat will be graded in early 2004 and used for the establishment of experiments documenting growth rate and investigating optimal culture conditions in Tonga. Preliminary growth rate data for P. margaritifera spat produced in an earlier hatchery run in Tonga have been generated. Growth rates in Tonga compare well to growth rates recorded at other sites within the Pacific for P. margaritifera.
Progress against the three major research objectives of this project extension is summarised below.
1 Development towards a cultured pearl industry in Kiribati
The first harvest of cultured pearls from Kiribati took place at Abaiang in August 2003. About 200 pearls were harvested and a further 4000 oysters were grafted for pearl production. Appraisal of the pearls was undertaken by Mr. Rudy Zingg of Devino P/L (Sydney).
An experimental cultured pearl farm has been established at Tebunginako at Abaiang atoll. About 2000 pearl oysters are housed at the farm, which is maintained by three local people who have previously been trained in pearl oyster culture methods at the Demonstration Pearl Farm at Abaiang.
Spat collectors were first established at Kiritimati Island in July 2003. A second longline with other collectors was established in August 2003. Both longlines were deployed and are maintained by MNFRD staff based at Kiritimati. Some pearl oyster recruits were recorded from spat collectors towards the end of 2003. However, these are still to be positively identified as P. margaritifera.
Longlines were established at Abemama, Butaritari and Onotoa in mid-2003. Pearl oysters were deployed to Butaritari and Onotoa at the end of June 2003 and to Abemama in September 2003. Each of the three islands has a 60 m longline (Butaritari has 2 lines) holding between 4000 and 5000 oysters. Growth rates of oysters at Butaritari and Onotoa have been excellent. Oysters were deployed with a dorso-ventral height (shell length) of 5-8 mm. By the end of 2003, they had reached 50-60 mm in shell length.
A draft Cultured Pearl Industry Management and Development Plan was developed through the Pearl Oyster Coordinating Committee (POCC) during 2003. The committee has been approved by Cabinet and will provide advice to the Minister on the development of a cultured pearl industry in Kiribati. The plan will be amended during the project on the basis of project outcomes.
2 Production of P. margaritifera spat through hatchery culture in Tonga
The first hatchery run conducted in Tonga in 2001 resulted in a significant number of spat. Unfortunately, many of these died as a result of Cyclone Waka in 2002. Surviving spat were used for limited growth trials begun in 2002 which have provided data on the growth rates of P. margaritifera juveniles under culture conditions in Tonga. More extensive growth trials will be conducted in 2004 with spat resulting from the most recent hatchery run conducted in November/December 2003.
Hatchery production of P. margaritifera spat was conducted in Tonga in November/December 2003. Unfortunately, unusually low water temperatures (22-25C) resulted in an extended larval life. While P. margaritifera larvae would normally be expected to complete larval development in about 18-20 days, larvae were not removed from culture tanks into settlement tanks until Day 37. Nevertheless, the extended larval period provided good opportunity for training of local staff. Four local fisheries staff and a member of the Pearl Oyster Cooperative from Vava'u were trained in methods related to hatchery culture and feeding of pearl oysters. Approximately 50,000 larvae survived to be placed into settlement tanks, however, the number of spat produced will not be known until spat collectors are harvested in early 2004.
3 Production of up to date culture manual for P. margaritifera
New information relating to spat collection, spat identification, oyster cultivation and pearl quality has been written into the Culture Manual produced during the earlier project (FIS/1991/031). This process will continue as more relevant information comes to hand. The document will be completed by the end of 2004. Literature relating to pearl quality and oyster cultivation gathered from Polynesia and other sources with assistance from SPC, has also been included.

Overall Progress
The first harvest of cultured pearls from Kiribati in August 2003 was a major highlight of project research and demonstrated the feasibility of pearl culture in Kiribati. This major milestone was achieved through ongoing routine production from the Project Hatchery at Tenaea and ongoing growth of resulting pearl oysters at the Demonstration Farm at Abaiang. In addition to these activities, "satellite" farms were set up at three outer islands (Abemama, Butaritari, Onotoa) and, again, growth rates of oysters at these sites were good and indicate the suitability of such sites for future pearl oyster growth.

On the basis of good progress and the potential for development of a cultured pearl industry in Kiribati, this project was extended for a further sixteen months from September 2004 to December 2005.

The three major research objectives of the initial Project extension (to August 2004) were:

Objective 1 - Development towards a cultured pearl industry in Kiribati.

Production of pearls at Abaiang atoll, Kiribati using hatchery-bred oysters;

Cultured pearls were harvested in Kiribati in 2003 when other oysters were enucleated for pearl production. The latter will be harvested for pearls during 2005. Further enucleation for pearl production took place in September 2004.

Establish experimental cultured pearl farms at Abaiang atoll, Kiribati;

An experimental cultured pearl farm has been established at Tebunginako at Abaiang atoll. Approximately 2,000 pearl oysters are housed at the farm, which is maintained by three local people who have previously been trained in pearl oyster culture methods at the Demonstration Pearl Farm at Abaiang.

Examine the rate of spat collection of P. margaritifera at Kiritimati (Christmas) Island (Line Islands, Kiribati) and determine growth rates of spat/juveniles under culture conditions;

Spat collectors were first established at Kiritimati Island in July 2003. A second longline with other collectors was established in August 2003. Both longlines were deployed and are maintained by MNFRD staff based at Kiritimati. Some pearl oyster recruits were recorded from spat collectors towards the end of 2003. However, these are still to be positively identified as P. margaritifera. Spat send to Tarawa for identification were not P. margaritifera and material for identification of the spat of the various species of pearl oysters found at Kiritimati has subsequently been sent to Fisheries staff there.

Conduct surveys of appropriate islands in the Gilbert group and Kiritimati Island to determine potential sites for future pearl culture;

Longlines were established at Abemama, Butaritari and Onotoa in mid-2003. Pearl oysters were deployed to Butaritari and Onotoa at the end of June 2003 and to Abemama in September 2003. Each of the three islands has a 60 m longline (Butaritari has 2 lines) holding between 4,000-5,000 oysters. Growth rates of oysters at Butaritari and Onotoa have been excellent. Oysters were deployed with a dorso-ventral height (shell length) of 5-8 mm. By early 2004, they had reached 50-60 mm in shell length.

Based on operational logistics and the growth rate of pearl oysters indicates that of the three outer island sites, Abemama is the site with the greatest potential. On this basis, Abemama will receive a greater proportion of research activity during the remainder of the Project.

Facilitate formulation of a Cultured Pearl Industry Management and Development Plan for Kiribati;

A draft Cultured Pearl Industry Management and Development Plan for the period 2001-2004 was completed via the Pearl Oyster Coordinating Committee (POCC) during 2003. The POCC has been approved by Cabinet and will provide advice to the Minister on the development of a cultured pearl industry in Kiribati. The Plan will be updated for the period 2005-2010 during the final year of the Project (2005).

A workshop focused on "Pearl Oyster Economics" was held in Kiribati in September 2004 with support from SPC. It provided input from experts from SPC, Cook Islands and FSM as well as expertise from Project personnel. An Agenda for the Workshop and a document detailing its outcomes are shown in Appendix 1. The outcomes of the workshop will make a major contribution to the Management and Development Plan. The Workshop made a number of recommendations to the POCC in relation to economic and management options for pearl industry development in Kiribati. These recommendations form the basis of a future Workshop (planned for May 2005) which will seek to define a Development Strategy as the basis for the industry Development Plan for 2005-2010.

Objective 2 - Produce P. margaritifera spat through hatchery culture in Tonga.

Hatchery production of P. margaritifera spat in Tonga;

A hatchery run was undertaken in Tonga in November/December 2003. Unfortunately, water temperatures at this time did not exceed 24-250C, which is the minimum required for development of P. margaritifera larvae. As a result of the low temperatures, larval development was extremely slow and larvae had not developed to the eyed stage (settlement stage) after 40 days. This point is normally reached within 17-20 days of culture. While larvae were transferred to settlement tanks and settlement substrate were moved into the ocean for ocean nursery culture, later inspection of spat collectors revealed only small numbers of spat. It is recommended that future larval culture activities in Tonga take place in January or February when more appropriate water temperatures are likely to exist.

Regardless of the apparent failure of this hatchery run, the activities provided an excellent opportunity for training of Tongan Fisheries staff and members of the Tonga Pearl Growers' Association. Given the extended larval culture period, a significant amount of training was provided in the areas of larval husbandry, microalgae culture and settlement of P. margaritifera larvae.

Assess growth and survival of oyster juveniles under culture conditions.

The first hatchery run conducted in Tonga in 2001 resulted in a significant number of spat which unfortunately were killed as a result of Cyclone Waka in 2002. Extensive growth trials were planned with spat resulting from the growth trial conducted in 2004, however, again, very low numbers of spat resulted and growth trials could not be undertaken.

Objective 3 - Produce up to date culture manual for P. margaritifera.

Obtain relevant literature relating to cultivation of P. margaritifera and research into pearl quality from French Polynesia and Cook Islands;

Literature relating to pearl quality and oyster cultivation has been gathered from Polynesia and other sources. It has also been gathered from sources within SPC with their assistance. Some of this information was translated (from French) during 2004 and all information was used to update the Culture Manual during 2004. A final draft of the Culture Manual will be completed in early 2005.

Project extension (September 2004 - December 2005)

Major objectives

1. Develop with the POCC various scenarios for transition towards industry development.
2. Revision of the Pearl Industry Development Plan for the period 2005-2010. Incorporate ongoing Project findings and incorporate options for industry development
3. Continue production of cultured round pearls and trial production of half pearls.

Develop various scenarios for transition towards industry development

An ACIAR/SPC Black Pearl Culture Workshop was held in November 2004 in Tarawa. It investigated economic models relating to the development of pearl culture in Kiribati and ran a number of financial simulations using the SPC spreadsheet based pearl culture economic model. The Workshop also addressed management issues and development options. The major objectives for the Workshop were:

To provide an understanding of the economics of black pearl culture including cost of production and markets.
Provide an understanding of strategies towards managing for sustainable (economic and environmental) outcomes.
Provide development options for black pearl culture in Kiribati.
Identify appropriate roles for key stakeholders (government, private sector, communities and investors.
Provide clear directions for development for consideration by the POCC.

Economic modelling

Economic models were used by the Workshop to support consideration of development options for Kiribati. The simulations are useful to inform the policy discussion on which models of pearl farming operations are likely to succeed (or not) economically and, as an initial guide to potential investors. The models are particularly sensitive to certain variables such as pearl price, cost of seeding and labour. The cost and revenue assumptions for the model runs were conservative.

Three farm sizes were examined, small (5,000 oysters), medium (30,000 oysters) and large (100,000 oysters).

In relation to farm size, the economic modelling suggested the following issues:

1. A small private sector (5,000 oysters) integrated operation culturing round pearls from spat is relatively high risk.
2. The range of profitable round pearl culture operations is between 30-100,000 oysters with diminishing risk as the number of oysters cultured increases.
3. Generally large farms (approaching 100,000 oysters) will be more profitable focusing on round pearl rather than mabe (half pearl) or production of oysters for seeding by a third party.
4. Generally higher risk becomes more acceptable if potential returns are higher.

The economic modelling examined the production of three major products, oyster shell, half pearl (mabe) and round pearl. The modelling suggested that:

1. Generally larger farms approaching 100,000 oysters will be more profitable focusing on round pearls rather than mabe, or production of oysters for seeding by a third party.
2. A medium-sized private sector farm (30,000 oysters) growing oysters from spat and selling-on for seeding by another pearl farming operation was relatively low risk and provided a good return, but was conditional on a market for oysters ready for seeding.
3. A medium-sized farm growing oysters is likely to be more profitable, if the oysters are retained and seeded for mabe production, but with a slightly higher risk. A medium-sized farm only culturing mabe pearls has a good probability of being profitable.

The economic modelling suggested that community farms may accept lower levels of profit, recognising the overall benefit to the community (employment, family structures, etc.). Community level farms may also have lower costs of production, due to low labour costs, but are likely to less efficient than a private farm. The community farm model assumes lower start-up capital costs due to fund-raising opportunities (including from donors).

Management Issues

Major findings of the Workshop relating to management issues include:
The economic viability of pearl farming in Kiribati remains uncertain, although economic modelling provided an indication of more profitable options.
Further runs of the economic model are required.
It is important to define the roles of mangers (e.g. Island Councils/MFMRD) in the management process very early on. Roles will change with the nature/size of the model.
Island Councils generally control lagoon management and high levels of assistance from central government will be required to establish lagoon management framework. Island Councils may be the best authority for allocation of farm sites with support from government.
Kick-start funding will be need to establish the pearl industry. It is suggested that a range of projects be developed in collaboration with Ministry of Finance (planning) for forwarding to donors as appropriate.
The Development Bank of Kiribati has funds to assist with loans for approved start-up pearl farming. DVK require that Fisheries provide technical advice on support with farm operations and they may consider a "grace period" on loans.
At least initially, the hatchery should be government controlled, but may be operated privately. This will promote orderly development of the pearl industry and revenue from spat sales will provide funds for technical advice to pearl farmers.
To maximise revenue from pearl sales, centralised quality control (e.g. French Polynesian model) should be used. Both inputs (spat) and outputs (export pearls) may be controlled by government. There are some advantages to this, although this approach goes against the market principles promoted by ADB and others, and may not be economically efficient in the long term.
Marketing risks (i.e. ability to sell pearls) can be minimised by focusing on high quality pearls, finding a niche product (e.g. coconut/pearl jewellery and high quality mabe and the tourist market).
A Code of Practice for pearl culture may be valuable to encourage sustainable farming practices, promote workplace safety, etc.
Before investing in pearl farming, potential farmers will require assurance on the security of lease/ownership permits and clarity on associated regulations. This will require strengthening of by-laws.

Workshop conclusions

1. The most profitable round pearl farm runs with 100,000 or more oysters.
- Requiring a capital investment of around $250,000.
- No positive cash flow until Year 6, additional investment until the income from pearl sales covers past negative cash flows.
- Cash requirements to support operating costs, prior to achieving positive cash flow in Year 6 is around $250,000.
- Under this model it would be possible to develop community involvement by way of employment and growing of oysters from spat to a size suitable for seeding for pearl production.
- Culturing mabe (half round) pearls represents a relatively low risk means of generating revenue. This operation has the advantage of building expertise and laying a foundation for pearl farming and has shorter time lines to profitability. This operation lends itself to family/cooperative smaller sized farms.
- This model production is much less technical than round pearl production and a seeding technician is not required.

Revision of Pearl Industry Development Plan for 2005-2010

The Plan will be developed on the basis of outcomes after the November Workshop (see above), decisions by the POCC and the outcomes of the Project Coordination Meeting in February 2005 and a second Workshop in May 2005. The outcomes of the second Workshop in May 2005 will provide a recommended strategy as a key input into the Plan. The Plan will be finalised during the second half of 2005.

Continue production of cultured round pearls and trial production of half pearls

The third pearl seeding took place in November 2004. A new seeding technician (Ms. Berni Aquilina) was used with very good results. Ms. Aquilina has a very good background as a professional pearl seeder and also in training pearl technicians in the Cook Islands and Australia. This background proved ideal for seeding in Kiribati and for transfer of information and capacity building. The seeding in November 2004 resulted in 4,217 seeded oysters and a report on the seeding is provided in Appendix 2.

Ms. Aquilina will return for the fourth seeding in August 2005 and will undertake the second pearl harvest at that time.

It should be noted that Ms. Aquilina commented on the unique nacre colour of some of the oysters in Kiribati which she had not seen in 20-25 years of pearl seeding. Such colours included "fancy golden peach and apricot tones" and provides an opportunity for Kiribati in terms of niche marketing.

A detailed overview of seeding activities is presented in Ms. Aquilina's report (Appendix 2). However, it should be noted that there were a number of potentially negative comments in Ms. Aquilina's report which require attention, in terms of protocol development and future pearl seeding activities. A major observation related to the ripe condition of a large majority of the oysters used for seeding. The issue of conditioning was addressed in previous years with the visit to Abaiang of a pearl oyster farmer from the Cook Islands. However, the differences in conditions between Abaiang and Cook Islands prevent the effective use of the Cook Islands technique for conditioning oysters. More research is required on this issue.

The Pearl Economics Workshop in November 2004 assessed the potential for production of half pearls (mabe) in Kiribati. Estimates using the SPC pearl economic model indicated that mabe production would be a low risk and profitable option for pearl culture in Kiribati and one suitable for family or community based operations. On this basis, the current extension will assess mabe production at Abaiang and Kiritimati Island. The latter is well known for good coloured nacre. Additionally, funding will be sought through the ACIAR Mini Project Scheme to support a broader investigation of the potential for mabe production in Kiribati. This application will be submitted in 2005.

A large proportion of cultured round pearls are of low non-commercial value and this was the case with the first pearl harvest from Kiribati. In Polynesia, lower grade pearls have been used in jewellery items made from local materials such as coconut fibre. There is a good market for such items which offer a means of generating income from pearls with limited or no commercial value. During 2005 AusAID were approached about the possibility of funding a workshop in Kiribati which would bring somebody from Polynesia to Kiribati to demonstrate manufacture of such jewellery to local women's groups. Subsequent discussion with the divisions of the Kiribati government (Home Affairs and Tourism) who have an office and outlet at Fanning Islands, indicated there was broad support within the Kiribati government for such a workshop and for the assessment of the commercial potential of such items. It is anticipated that a number of items produced at the planned Workshop can be used for a marketing trial to tourists visiting Fanning Island. Tourism have an office and outlet at Fanning Island and could facilitate such a trial. An application has been submitted to AusAID to fund the workshop that will hopefully coincide with the second pearl harvest in August 2005.

Overall Progress
Objective 1 - Development towards a cultured pearl industry in Kiribati.
Production of pearls at Abaiang atoll, Kiribati using hatchery-bred oysters;

Two experimental harvests of cultured pearls have now been made at Abaiang atoll. The first in August 2003 and the second in September 2005. A third will be made in September 2006. A report by the seeding technician (Ms. Berni Aquilina) regarding the second harvest and fourth seeding is shown in Appendix 1.

Establish experimental cultured pearl farms at Abaiang atoll, Kiribati;

Two experimental cultured pearl farm sites have been established at Abaiang atoll with further small farm sites established at Abemama, Butaritari and Onotoa. The potential of establishing a further farm site at Fanning Island has also been investigated by Project staff and may occur in the near future. Research activities in late 2005 and into 2006 will focus on establishing a number of small culture sites to investigate resulting pearl quality. The existing farm site at Abaiang is thought to be unsuitable for production of high quality pearls. A number of seeded pearl oysters will be transferred to more oceanic sites within Abaiang lagoon and to other island sites (Abemama, Butaritari and Onotoa) to assess pearl growth and resulting pearl quality.

Examine the rate of spat collection of P. margaritifera at Kiritimati (Christmas) Island (Line Islands, Kiribati) and determine growth rates of spat/juveniles under culture conditions;

Spat collection studies have been undertaken at Christmas Island, however, insufficient spat have been collected to enable determination of growth rates of spat/juveniles under culture conditions.

Conduct surveys of appropriate islands in the Gilbert group and Kiritimati Island to determine potential sites for future pearl culture;

A number of islands in the Gilbert group were surveyed and potential culture sites were identified at Abemama, Butaritari and Onoto. Small-scale pearl oyster culture was established at all three islands and growth rate data for pearl oysters has been determined.

Facilitate formulation of a Cultured Pearl Industry Management and Development Plan for Kiribati;

Two Workshops were held in Kiribati as significant steps towards the formulation of a Cultured Pearl Industry Management and Development Plan for Kiribati. The second of these Workshops took place in May 2005 with a view to fine-tune some of the outcomes and recommendations for the proceeding Workshop in November 2004. A detailed report of the May 2005 Workshop is presented in Appendix 2. Workshop outcomes were used as a basis for revision of the draft Development Plan (2001-2005). Mr. Michael Palmer, who was contracted through Australian Business Volunteers, revised the draft Plan during November 2005. Mr. Palmer spent three weeks in Kiribati, working with the Kiribati government towards a draft of the Development Plan for 2005-2010. A copy of this Plan is shown in Appendix 3. The Plan will form the basis for the development and management of a cultured pearl industry in Kiribati until 2010. It will be finalised during early 2006 and will be prepared for submission to Cabinet by May 2006.

Objective 2 - Produce P. margaritifera spat through hatchery culture in Tonga.

Project research in Tonga ceased in 2004. Research showed that it is possible to produce Pinctada margaritifera spat using hatchery culture methods in Tonga. Research also generated basic growth rate information for P. margaritifera spat under Tongan conditions. However, unfavourable circumstances (e.g. low water temperature and cyclonic activity) produced far fewer spat than was desired and did not allow determination of growth rates under different culture conditions and at different sites of spat in Tonga.

Objective 3 - Produce up to date culture manual for P. margaritifera.

A Culture Manual for P. margaritifera incorporating contemporary information from this Project and other sources has been under development for the past four years. The Manual is now at the final draft stage and will be suitable for publication during the first half of 2006.

Project extension (September 2004 - December 2005)

Major objectives

Objective 1. Develop various scenarios for transition towards industry development

Various scenarios with transition towards industry development in Kiribati were investigated in two Workshops held in Kiribati in November 2004 and May 2005. The first addressed major issues relating to industry development including:

economic modelling to assess the most economic options for industry development (farm size, etc.),
management issues;
major recommendations for industry development.

At the May 2005 Workshop, themes developed during the previous Workshop were refined and used to provide a basis for revision of the Pearl Industry Development Plan (see below).

Objective 2. Revision of Pearl Industry Development Plan for 2005-2010

Mr. Michael Palmer undertook revision of the Pearl Industry Development Plan during a three-week stay in Kiribati in November 2005. The revised Plan is shown in Appendix 2. The Plan was revised on the basis of recommendations from Project Workshops (see above) and on the basis of consultation of the Pearl Oyster Coordinating Committee (POCC) and the Kiribati government. The Plan will be finalised during early 2006 and prepared for Cabinet submission.

Objective 3. Continue production of cultured round pearls and trial production of half pearls

Round pearl production in Kiribati was continued during 2005 with the fourth seeding (September 2005). The seeding was conducted for the second time by Ms. Berni Aquilina, who also undertook the second pearl harvest (see Appendix 1). The third pearl harvest will take place in September 2006.

Results of the harvest in 2005 were disappointing with pearls being generally small and with only a small proportion showing high quality. These results are very similar to those of the first pearl harvest (August 2003). They indicate that the main farm site at Abaiang is not ideally suited for pearl production. This site was initially chosen on the basis of convenience for oyster growout. Slow growth rates of pearls (nacre deposition rate) and poor pearl quality are indicative of low nutrient levels at the farm.

Fundamental to the development of a successful and sustainable cultured pearl industry in Kiribati is production of high quality pearls in a reasonable timeframe. To investigate this, a number of seeded oysters from Abaiang have been transferred to other sites within the Abaiang lagoon, which are subject to more oceanic water conditions. Transfer of seeded oysters to Abemama, Butaritari and Onotoa is ongoing. Oysters transferred include those seeded in November 2004 and September 2005. The former will be harvested in September 2006. The results will be used to determine the effects of various sites on resulting pearl quality.

Half pearl production at Abaiang was investigated during 2005 as a result of an ACIAR "Mini Project" (see Appendix 4). Mabe were harvested at different times and will be analysed for nacre quality and thickness on resulting mabe. These analyses will be undertaken during 2006. The Mini Project also included aspects of training and, subsequent to the work at Abaiang, MFMRD staff conducted a Training Course at Kiritimati Island where they instructed local Fisheries Officers in mabe production techniques.

The major objective of Project research in its final year (2005) was to finalise a Pearl Industry Development Plan for Kiribati. To achieve this, three workshops were conducted in Kiribati and the services of a consultant (seconded through Australian Business Volunteers) were used to complete the final draft of the Development Plan in December 2005. The draft Plan was provided to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resource Development (MFMRD) in late 2005 and a deadline of 31st May 2006 was imposed for any amendments to the draft Plan, prior to submission to Cabinet.

A key component of the Development Plan is to demonstrate the ability to produce high quality pearls of 10 mm diameter or greater which, despite two prior pearl harvests, had yet to be achieved. A priority area for research during the initial Extension phase of this project (2005) was to confirm the possibility of producing large high quality pearls in Kiribati. A program was initiated which involved seeded pearl oysters being transferred to better (more oceanic) sites within Abaiang lagoon and to other islands (Abemama and Butaritari). The pearls from these sites were to be harvested during 2006 to determine their quality.

A Pearl Handicraft Workshop to train local people to make handicrafts incorporating low-grade pearls and pearl shell was planned in Kiribati during 2005. However, identification of an appropriate trainer to run the Workshop was a problem. A local handicraft industry is likely to be a vital part of successful development of pearl industry in Kiribati and optimising local benefits of such an industry. Completion of this Workshop was, therefore, an important part of maximising the impact of this project.

Thus, extension of the project until December 2006 was undertaken to address the following milestones with technical support from James Cook University (JCU)

Completion of the draft Development Plan (2006-2010) May 2006
Assessment of pearl quality at different sites and the feasibility of producing good quality pearls
Conduct a planned Jewellery Workshop

Objective 1 - Completion of the draft Development Plan (2006-2010) May 2006

The draft Development Plan (2006-2010) was completed in December 2005 and forwarded to MFMRD, the Project Consultant (Thailassa Consulting) and the Project Coordinator for comment. Minor changes to the document were made and the Development Plan was finalised in May 2006 (see Appendix 1).

Objective 2 - Assessment of pearl quality at different sites

The third pearl harvest, which was to assess pearl quality, was scheduled for September 2006 in conjunction with another pearl seeding. This activity was to be funded by MFMRD and, although MFMRD made contact with the pearl seeder, no arrangement was made for the harvest/seeding to take place.

Objective 3 - Conduct a planned Jewellery Workshop

Preliminary discussions between MFMRD and the national women's group in Kiribati (AMAK) were fruitful in determining strong support from AMAK for a pearl shell Jewellery Workshop. The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) was also strongly supportive of this development and aided in identification of a suitable trainer for the Workshop in Kiribati. An application by AMAK was made to AusAID for funding of the Workshop, however, the application was unsuccessful. Despite assistance from SPC it proved difficult to arrange an appropriate trainer to visit Kiribati for the time required and the Workshop finally took place in Kiribati in 2007 using a trainer from the Cook Islands.