Progress towards reestablishing Latin America as a major pearl producing region: A review

Globally, pearl culture is a profitable sector generating significant export incomes for producer countries, as well as livelihood opportunities for local communities. Latin America has a long history as a pearl producer from extensive fisheries that date back to the 15th century. The presence of pearl oyster beds on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of many Latin American countries was a major incentive for colonisation of the region and subsequent social and economic development of areas in the Gulf of California and the Caribbean. This review presents the historic background of the pearl fishery in this region since the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, describes the current status of pearl culture in Latin America, and outlines future opportunities for sector development. Information on the current status of pearl culture in Latin American countries is divided between two major categories: commercial and pilot-scale. Commercial pearl production currently occurs only in Mexico and production updates are provided for bead-nucleated, half pearls (mabe) and non-nucleated (keshi) pearls from the two pearl farms operating in the Gulf of California. The second category comprises countries whose pearling activities were relevant in the past (Venezuela, Panama) and others that are emerging, but still maintain pilot-scale production of mabe pearls using Pteria sterna (Ecuador, Peru), Pinctada mazatlanica (Panama) and Pteria hirundo (Brazil). Finally, this review discusses future prospects for pearl culture in Latin America, analysing technology gaps and challenges to be addressed if the cultured pearl sector is to achieve its full potential in this region.

Automated summary

Globally, pearl culture is a profitable sector that plays a significant role in the economy of Latin American countries. This review provides a historical background of the pearl fishery in the region, discusses the current status of pearl culture, and explores future opportunities for sector development.