Environmentally (and socially) responsible pearl farming?

[Ramona]

I think it is very useful to highlight the benefits of farming methods. I have also been wondering whether pearl farmers could collaborate with climate scientists. After all, even small changes in pH should affect oysters. I don't know if anybody systematically monitors pH changes in oceans. Pearl farmers could contribute a net of outstations that do that.

[Josh]

Thanks again Caitlin for your wisdom.

Dave that warms my heart to no end. So good to hear that what we are doing has made it out of our archipelago. Getting up to see your operation wasn't in the cards this year but I'm really hoping to make it up this coming year (with my new/used drysuit).

[Josh]

Hi Ramona,
Funny you should say that. I'm in talks with scientists at the moment about an in depth study of pearl farming and it's effect on lagoon ecology. I can't talk about it much just yet but if it is approved we'll be getting some very broad exposure through a major publication. As for monitoring pH changes across the world, very good idea.

[Ramona]

You go Josh!

[Caitlin]

Beautifully said, Ramona!

And Dave
You are most definitely doing something important, too! I am so glad the 3 of you report here!!!!

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

After all, even small changes in pH should affect oysters. I don't know if anybody systematically monitors pH changes in oceans. Pearl farmers could contribute a net of outstations that do that.

I'm not sure about pearl oysters, but ostrea are not bound by tenths of points. Locally, Ph readings are all over the place, effected by rain, sun, tides and currents.

[Josh]

And Dave
You are most definitely doing something important, too! I am so glad the 3 of you report here!!!!

I agree Caitlin. I know all three of us get a lot out of it. I really look forward to seeing Dave's developments and Douglas' too. The input from more low profile pearl loving scientists on this forum is really great too, Ramona.

[Cyril Roger Brossard]

...I have also been wondering whether pearl farmers could collaborate with climate scientists. After all, even small changes in pH should affect oysters. I don't know if anybody systematically monitors pH changes in oceans. Pearl farmers could contribute a net of outstations that do that.

and

...I'm in talks with scientists at the moment about an in depth study of pearl farming and it's effect on lagoon ecology. I can't talk about it much just yet but if it is approved we'll be getting some very broad exposure through a major publication. As for monitoring pH changes across the world, very good idea.

May I ask if this thread is still active and if any feedback could be made available (positive or negative).
I do not think that (in my humble opinion that is) pH is much of a direct concern but rather the resultant of a wider concept.
I would be interested to see if any conclusion has been drawn on the environmental effect of the pearl farm, such as matter in suspension, nitrate level, bicarbonate level, dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide (that are eventually affected by the seawater temperature).

Thanks in advance.

[Ramona]

I have seen pop up some articles about ocean acidification and I try to find them again. Nature has recently introduced a new journal called "Nature Climate Change". I have not had the time to read it consistently, but they do have some manuscripts on coral reefs in their latest issue.
http://www.nature.com/nclimate/index.html

[Ramona]

This one is open access:

http://www.nature.com/nclimate/journ...imate1680.html

[Cyril Roger Brossard]

Thanks again for the links, at least it confirms to some extend that temperature may indeed be the silent killer. Although SST may increase (MODIS source) we might as well observe lower readings at the location of most farms (except those located near continental shelf that is) especially those located in areas prone to cyclone and typhoons.
Your links are greatly appreciated.

[CortezPearls]

Whether it's milk, coffee, logging or pearls, I am convinced that quality will eventually rise to the top. I have to say though that the silence is deafening beyond what you, Douglas and I have to say. Pearl on my brothers!

Pearl On Oh Nacreous Brotherhood!!!

[CortezPearls]

and
May I ask if this thread is still active and if any feedback could be made available (positive or negative).
I do not think that (in my humble opinion that is) pH is much of a direct concern but rather the resultant of a wider concept.
I would be interested to see if any conclusion has been drawn on the environmental effect of the pearl farm, such as matter in suspension, nitrate level, bicarbonate level, dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide (that are eventually affected by the seawater temperature).

Thanks in advance.

pH is indeed a concern since a high pH will not allow calcium carbonate to be "available" to many marine species, including phytoplanckton (the basis of the food pyramid in the ocean)...some experiments have revealed that microalgae will have a limited growth and will not be able to produce enough food (photosynthetize). Ultimately this would mean that marine ecosystems will collapse.
Still, I believe that heat will affect us more than pH will. This article deals with the effects of pH on algae.

[Cyril Roger Brossard]

pH is indeed a concern since a high pH will not allow calcium carbonate to be "available" to many marine species, including phytoplanckton (the basis of the food pyramid in the ocean)...some experiments have revealed that microalgae will have a limited growth and will not be able to produce enough food (photosynthetize). Ultimately this would mean that marine ecosystems will collapse.
Still, I believe that heat will affect us more than pH will. This article deals with the effects of pH on algae.

Hi, I do agree, allow me to rephrase, the variation of temperature will affect the pH, the pH will not affect the temperature. And yes the ocean's acidification is caused by the colder water to act as a sink for the atmospheric carbon dioxide. That is why I said "I do not think that (in my humble opinion that is) pH is much of a direct concern but rather the resultant of a wider concept." Jacobson mentioned that the pH went from 8.25 to a low 8.14 from the mid 18th to present time, and he is suggesting it to reach 7.85 within the next 90 years, thus effecting that the carbon dioxide released in the atmosphere is the wider problem, not a resultant.
As you said, the heat will affect us more than the pH, or it will just contribute to the on going acidification of the oceans.

[CortezPearls]

I think that we are of one mind here...I also believe it will be the "heat" (rising water temperature) that will affect us in a more effective manner and in less time. pH is indeed a problem, but when a hurricane slams into your face you are a bit more worried about heat (the energy that feeds the hurricane) than if water is becoming a bit more acidic.
Right now I am anxiously watching the news about hurricane "Miriam" and I'm strating to "feel the heat": only two years ago we had hurricane "Juliette" slamming in almost the same spot on Baja and we ended up with a devastated Guaymas.

By the time pH becomes a serious concern, there might no longer be a need to be concerned.