They have an enormous rate of attrition, but they document everything and are are learning. Roger can tell you what bucket a pearl grew in, what day it was first implanted, what day it went in the sea, which location it was in, and how long it was there. He knows who implanted it and who maintained them each week.
Yes, they have to be tended to each week. Abalones are basically big snails. They need their buckets cleaned and a fresh/dried seaweed mixture added so they can get a decent meal. Tahitian pearls, on the other hand, can be left for weeks before cleaning and don’t need feeding.
Soon Roger has us back in the harbor and the other two groups get their turn at sea. Roger enthusiastically hoists out as many buckets as it takes for each group to see the good, the bad, and the uncovered.
"Forced" to shop while the others take their turns, we make a few purchases of paua shell trinkets and Eyris Blue Pearls.
Lunch in Akaroa harbor is a foodie's delight. Later, when we get back to town, Roger and his wife Nicky host a beautiful dinner party in a private club in Christchurch. I can’t see how this could get any better.
Next Day:
It’s our last day and we’ve managed to squeeze in a lecture at the Blue Pearl Center and do some shopping before visiting the Eyris Blue Pearl Company offices. I purchase a ring.
More...