ocean stewardship
“Our pearl farms are located in areas of the Pacific that boast some of the greatest marine biodiversity and are most prone to climate change. Unlike most other gemstone that require extraction from the land, marine pearl farming is renewable and dependent on a healthy oceanic ecosystem: a thriving environment will produce finer pearls, inextricably linking environmental stewardship and economic profitability. Pearling combines two goals, environmental and economic, that are inherently merged making it an ideal model of a functioning circular blue economy.”
Island Stories Of Change
Social and environmental responsibilities are the ideals that have shaped Justin Hunter’s corporate philosophy. At the core of their day-to-day business practice is the protection and preservation of the natural marine environment, ensuring the nutrient rich waters of Savusavu Bay remains pristine. Justin’s commitment to sustainable farming practises, documented in J. Hunter’s Environmental Code of Practice, a detailed working document outlining the entire operation from hatchery to harvest.
The ECOP ensures all operations, on land and in the sea, are done in ways that minimises negative environmental aspects and maximises positive impacts. As pioneers we are responsible for setting the benchmark for others in the industry to follow.
Pearl oysters are filter feeders that require pristine water conditions in order to produce high-quality pearls. They are also recognised as an indicator species, meaning that any decline in water quality has a direct impact on oyster health, pearl quality and oyster mortality. In order to protect our investment we naturally adopt the role of stewards of the sea and will continue to proudly share our story of cultivating sustainable luxury to the world.