3. Past research on pearl oyster and atoll lagoons
From the early 1980s till to date, research activities have
accompanied the black pearl industry. The Etablissement pour la
Valorisation des Activités Aquacoles et Marines (EVAAM) was created
in 1983 to assist farmers and to develop the market. This is in addition
to all the empirical individual research activities taking place
in farms to enhance spat collecting, grafting, and farming. Initially,
research was not seen as a priority by professionals. Confidentiality
of knowledge ruled between farmers. However, massive mortalities
in 1985–1986 in Takapoto Atoll showed that virtually nothing
was known on the interactions between P. margaritifera and its
environment, its capacity to resist to environmental stressors,
and possible pathogens. These assessments were beyond the
capacities of farmers alone and new research programs were
needed.