Bahrain’s efforts at sustainable pearling are paying dividends, with top experts revealing that oyster beds are healthier than they were even during than the golden age of pearling.
According to Danat field researcher Mohamed Al Slaise, the kingdom’s once depleting oyster population has made a comeback due to stringent policies and regulations.
He spoke during a High-Level Roundtable on Marine Ecosystems and Climate Action session titled ‘Sustainable Pearling as a Nature-Positive Industry’, held at the Al Baraka Tower in Manama on Tuesday.
Other speakers included Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) climate change and sustainable development director Layla Sabeel and Arabian Gulf University (AGU) academic supervisor Dr Sabah Al Jenaid.
“Bahrainis are very proud of their pearls,” said Mr Al Slaise. “It is part of the kingdom’s identity.
Bahraini pearls
“That is why sustainability measures were taken in the past few years to ensure our oyster beds continue to thrive.
“There was a time when they were depleting, although it never reached dangerous levels.
“Mostly, it was due to overcrowding of the oysters themselves, and many would die off without being harvested for the pearls.”
An old map depicting oyster beds in and around Bahraini waters
Mr Al Slaise said that many people believe that oysters are no longer producing pearls at the same rate they used to. He however stated the kingdom’s oyster beds are stronger than ever.
“Not only are they still producing them, but there are more pearls now than during the 1800s – the golden age of pearling.
“Thanks to regulations and efforts by researchers and conservationists, there are more young oysters now, especially in the northern waters.
“Thankfully, oysters are one of the toughest marine animals, and the best ones are around Bahrain.”
Bahraini pearls are the subject of many legends and tales throughout history. Gilgamesh is said to have made the journey to Dilmun in search of the ‘Flower of Immortality’ which grew on the seabed.
In ancient Egypt, Cleopatra is said to have consumed Bahraini pearls dissolved in vinegar to achieve immortality.
The Bahraini pearl necklace and earrings worn by the late Queen Elizabeth II
In 1947, Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa presented Queen Elizabeth II seven Bahraini pearls as a gift to celebrate her wedding with Prince Phillip. Two of the pearls were used to make earrings, which she occasionally lent to members of the British royal family.
Nowadays, they have been frequently worn by the Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine, Princess of Wales, who was photographed with them on at the Remembrance Sunday Service in 2016 and 2019, at Royal Ascot in 2017, attending church at Balmoral in 2018, and at the Trooping the Colour in 2019.
Ms Sabeel reiterated SCE’s desire to preserve the marine environment, and has called for further regulations to protect the kingdom’s waters.
“Not just the oysters, but the seagrass and dugongs also need to be protected,” said Ms Sabeel.
“There is a lot of work to be done and different elements and conditions to consider.
“The kingdom has already designated protected areas to help the species grow and it is paying off. We don’t expect to see any sort of coral bleaching for more than 50 years at least.
“But we can do more. Perhaps we can come up with a seasonal ban for pearling like we did do with some species of fish, and extend stringent monitoring to ensure people do not violate the ban.”
From left, Dr Al Jenaid, Ms Sabeel and Mr Al Slaise
Meanwhile, Dr Al Jenaid stated that AGU will continue to work with Danat to conserve the oyster beds and ensure sustainability in the pearling industry.
“We have been working with seagrass and oyster beds for the past two years and mapping their habitats in Bahrain,” she said.
“Four labs have been dedicated for the research, one of which uses artificial intelligence to gather data and check for changes in the last 40 years or so.
“This is a first-of-its-kind study in the GCC, where we check for degradation and carbon levels, and use them to determine sustainability and conservation strategies.”
nader@gdnmedia.bh
Participants at the event
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