Conch Pearl Farning

[Josh]

Thanks you two for your thoughtful mind expanding posts. Steve, I didn't know that conch pearls were harvested sustainably. I assumed they were like the P. margaritiferas that have been decimated where ever they existed. I guess the primary difference is that the shell of the black lips are so prized (for buttons and inlay) and conchs not so much. Not sure why haliotus pearls missed my thinking. Maybe too much diving related oxygen starvation to my brain. :P

[kojimapearl]

Conch pearls are actually included in the controlled export of all products "bi-products" or not that come from any subspecies of conch. In order to legally import them (or export them from their native habitat).. one has to apply for certification (C.I.T.E.S) because they are considered worldwide to be an endangered species. The specifics of this law in regards to import/export seem to be very different from one country to the next. I have done this.. it is not a small endeavor. I even have friends who deal in crafts from Asia, and have run into huge snarls with Fish and Game in the U.S. trying to import bracelets made of conch shells. Working to legally import conch pearls and legally export conch pearls to the countries of the buyers is a HUGE amount of paperwork... many dealers do not bother with this. I wonder how Fish and Game (or conch pearl farmers) will deal with this when there is a batch of cultured conch pearls ready for sale to other countries?

[smetzler]

As a longtime dealer in a controlled substance (WINE!), we know there are two edges to the regulatory sword. The greater the barriers to business the greater the exclusivity for those with the wherewithal to jump through all the hoops and work the angles.

I can imagine that cultured conchs will give the Fish and Wildlife folks some challenges.

Regarding sustainability, one need look no further than the continuing popularity of conch fritters and conch chowder on regional menus.

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Regarding sustainability, one need look no further than the continuing popularity of conch fritters and conch chowder on regional menus.

There is value in the meat, I suppose. Something would have to offest the production cost.

Can you imagine how expensive any saltwater pearl would be if you had to physically feed the oyster every day?

That's why we rarely see cultured abalone pearls.

[R&B]

I saw a documentary on conch shells years ago and I'm sure they pointed out that if the shell hits you with its barb it can kill a human.

If this is true, can you imagine the insurance costs for covering workers.

It was pretty cool to see the conch shell stun the fish before it ate it though.

[DerekJ]

You are thinking of cone snails. Of which the textile cone snails are the very toxic variety. Currently they are being utilized in the medical field to attempt to synthesis stronger painkillers.

Conchs can't kill you.

[R&B]

Thanks you DerekJ.