Akoya pearl culture in China

摘要

The history of exploitation of saltwater pearls in China is both long and colourful extending as far back as 200 BC, but it has only been for the last 30 to 40 years that pearls have been farmed in the marine environment. Despite this, China has become a significant producer of cultured pearls. Currently culture is based largely upon the Akoya pearl oyster Pinctada imbricata, and is limited to the southern provinces of Guangxi, Gaungdong, and Hainan. Initially salt water pearl production in China began modestly (150 kg/annum), but rose rapidly following the establishment of the first private farms in 1986. By 1989 pearl production had reached 4 tons/annum and, although exact production figures are not available, was thought to have risen to about15 tons/annum in 1995. More recently production is thought to have peaked at a little over 20 tons, but has subsequently decreased dramatically due to several factors including environmental degradation. The outlook for the 2000 production season was pessimistic with industry figures predicting further reductions in total harvests.