Broken Bay Pearl Farm, battered by devastating floods since it opened in 2001, has celebrated a significant milestone in its journey to recovery.
Following the devastation of three major flood events in the past two years, which wiped out the farm’s total population of adult and juvenile pearl shell, the farm has successfully conducted a trial harvest, revealing the first Akoya pearl from an oyster since 2020.
The three floods, which included the worst flood event in more than 50 years, dealt a severe blow to the farm and presented an immense challenge for its survival.
But the team has endured a long hard journey of regeneration, nurturing new shell after an extensive search for surviving broodstock.
After years of dedicated efforts, the farm is now witnessing the fruition of its hard work with the successful test harvest on pearl shell that was seeded after the regeneration process.
“Akoya oysters take two to three years to mature before they are ready for seeding to grow a pearl,” owner James Brown said.
“After seeding, another 18 months to two years must pass for a high-quality pearl to grow.
“It’s often devastating events like this that see pearl farms around Australia and the world close forever.
“However, we are driven by commitment to quality and the enduring beauty that our natural world offers.
“Because of our farm team’s high-quality operations, we know high-quality pearls can be produced, and we are more determined to invest for the long-term knowing we cannot just recover, but thrive.”
Brown sees the test harvest as a significant step toward the ultimate goal of a beautiful gem harvested from local waters.
In the wake of the floods, the estuaries and oyster industry on the Central Coast, including Broken Bay Pearl Farm, have been recovering nicely.
Estuaries, crucial for oyster cultivation, are proving to be highly productive and oysters are growing exceptionally well.
The influx of nutrient-rich waters has revitalised the estuarine environments.
The restoration of essential nutrients has created an optimal habitat for high quality oysters to thrive.
This resurgence in oyster growth is not only a testament to nature’s resilience, but also reflects the dedication of the local oyster farming community in nurturing and sustaining the vital industry.
Broken Bay Pearl Farm plans to reintroduce the pearl reveal to its tours – allowing visitors to witness the popping of a pearl out of an oyster.
The feature will initially be available in the Ultimate Tours.
The farm is also collaborating with the James Cook University genetics team to launch an important Akoya pearl shell breeding program.
Despite the challenges faced by Brown, who received the Australian Farmer of the Year award in 2020, he remains optimistic.
“The floods devastated the farm and wiped out most of our stock,” he said.
“We’ve missed out on three years of pearl production and it’s wonderful to finally see pearls being harvested again.
“The vision of producing high quality pearls and contributing to the longevity of our industry inspires us to reinvest for the long term”.
For more information, visit brokenbaypearlfarm.com.au