Progress towards development of a unique pearl culture technology for red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) in Chile

Abstract

Abalone pearl farming is an aquaculture activity with great potential for future growth and diversification of the global pearl sector, which has been dominated for decades by pearls of marine pearl oysters of the genus Pinctada. Despite this potential, there is a significant lack of knowledge regarding methods for nucleus (bead) seeding and the process of pearl formation in abalone, compared to the well-studied pearl oyster model. To address this problem, this review first compares the main anatomical differences and similarities between both groups of mollusks, particularly those associated with the structure and role of mantle tissue on the synthesis of CaCO3 compounds that integrate the inner nacreous layer. The iridescence (orient) and color properties of nacre in a cultured pearl is particularly related to the microstructure of aragonite crystals during biomineralization in each mollusk group. We then analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the adoption in abalone of methods originally developed for pearl oysters to produce bead-seeded pearls and half-pearls (or mabé pearls). For the red abalone Haliotis rufescens in particular, updated information on commercial production of both bead-seeded and mabé pearls is provided as a case of success for Latin America (Chile). Finally, the current status and future prospects for abalone pearl farming are discussed, assessing technology gaps and challenges to be addressed for the pearl sector to achieve its full potential, particularly for Latin America.

Keywords

• Abalone
• Pearl oysters
• Mantle tissue
• Biomineralization
• Pearl culture
• Latin America