The plate collector, a new option for Pinctada margaritifera spat collection in French Polynesia

Abstract

The aquaculture industry can constitute an important source of waste in the environment. In atoll lagoons of French Polynesia, among the materials used by pearl farmers, shade-mesh collectors can release toxic substances and are responsible of microplastics production. With the aim of providing a less polluting alternative, we performed in situ tests comparing reusable plate collectors and shade-mesh collectors during 16 months. Plate collectors were significantly more efficient for spat collection, especially after the first 6 months of immersion (P < 0.0001). These results confirmed that this device can be a suitable and more sustainable alternative for the pearl industry.

Keywords

• Pearl-farming
• Pinctada margaritifera
• Pinctada maculata
• Spat collectors