Certifier : 
q.inspecta GmbH
Certified status : 
Certified
Certified since : 
06 Sep 2017
Certificate expires : 
05 Jul 2028

Overview

Fisheries are composed of one or more parts, each of which is entitled to receive an MSC certificate. These parts or “units” are defined by their target stock(s), fishing gear type(s) and if relevant vessel type(s), and the fishing fleets or groups of vessels.

When the term “Unit of Certification” is used for fishing units that are in assessment, it refers to the “Unit of Assessment” or “Unit of potential certification”. Expand a status below to view the parts that form this fishery. To check the detailed scope, download the latest certificate or open the Assessments page to get the latest report. Find out more by visiting our page on Fisheries

Units of Certification & Certificate Information

  • Certified
    MSC UoC Number Species Gear Type Ocean Area Certificate Code
    UoC-1273 Silverlip pearl oyster (Pinctada maxima) Miscellaneous Gear: Hand collection 57 (Indian Ocean, Eastern) MSC-F-30005
    UoC-1272 Silverlip pearl oyster (Pinctada maxima) Miscellaneous Gear: Hand collection 57 (Indian Ocean, Eastern) MSC-F-30005
    UoC-2845 Silverlip pearl oyster (Pinctada maxima) Miscellaneous Gear: Hand harvesting of wild broodstock and hatchery reared 57 (Indian Ocean, Eastern) MSC-F-30005

View glossary of terms

Eligibility, client groups and vessel lists

A fishery may choose to define the members of the fishery certificate. These members can be vessels or other client group members (e.g. companies that own vessels and/or companies that are named as eligible to handle certified product covered within the fishery certificate scope). Please refer to the fishery certificate statement on additional product specific eligibility criteria (e.g. product eligibility limitations, eligibility date, exclusive points of landing and the point where Chain of Custody certificate is required). Please consult the fishery Public Certification Report for product eligibility rationale.

Documents Published on Files
Vessel List 12 Jul 2023 1 files

About this Fishery

In a world first, the Australian Pearl Producers Association (PPA) has put the Australia silver-lipped pearl oyster fishery into assessment. 

“People care about sustainability and healthy bountiful oceans and hopefully, if we achieve certification, they’ll be able to wear that sustainability with the world’s first MSC certified pearls.” - Aaron Irving, Executive Officer, PPA

Pearl oysters are gathered by hand (diving-assisted) in the North-West Shelf fishery of Western Australia. They produce pearls, meat and mother of pearl shell products. 

“We always think of seafood when we think of fishing, but here we have a fishery that could change how we think of fishing, sustainability and the different ways we can look after our ocean. There’s a growing number of people who want do good by their oceans but also want to look good. If certified, the pearl fishery will allow that discerning customer to not only eat sustainable seafood but also wear jewellery that has positive impacts on our oceans.” - Patrick Caleo, MSC Asia Pacific Director

Market Information

The fishery is the second most valuable in Western Australia, turning over AUS$60-80m annually. It serves a commercial market extending from Australia to Hong Kong, the USA, Europe and Japan. Many regulations are in force to manage activities and conserve stocks.