Black Gold and Pearls

It is easy to argue that the natural pearl industry was destroyed Mikimoto in the early 20th century. Until he convinced the world his cultured product was just as good as natural, pearls were the lifeblood of many pearl cities around the Gulf and throughout the Middle East. But what those communities lost was replaced with a natural resource even more valuable – oil.

In today’s market, oil and pearls do not mix. Gas a pearls do not mix. Pipelines running through pearl farms do not mix. In fact, the only thing that mixes well with pearl oysters is Mother Nature.

With the possibility of dealing another blow to the staggering South Sea pearl industry Woodside Energy is planning a billion-dollar gas line north of Broome, right dab in the middle of some of the richest shell beds in the waters of NWA. The project would require extensive dredging and prolonged dredging even after project completion.

As if compensation for such a travesty is only due to producers in the area, Broom-based Clipper Pearls has taken legal advice over a $150 million compensation against Woodside Energy. The money may offset future losses to extent, but does nothing to repair the long-term damage a project like this will cause.