Factors influencing half‐pearl (mabe) production and quality in the red abalone Haliotis rufescens

Abstract

The factors influencing half‐pearl (mabe) production in the red abalone Haliotis rufescens were investigated, as a strategy to optimize the technology for the development of a pearling industry in Chile. The effects of abalone size (small, large), implant position (dorsal, central, ventral and their combinations), and number of nuclei (one, two, three) were analysed on the quantity, thickness of the nacre layer and quality (shape, colour, lustre, defects) of the mabe produced. The size of abalone did not exert a clear influence on the quantity and quality of mabe, but the position on the shell (firstly) and number of nuclei (secondly) did. More mabe, with thicker nacre, brighter lustre and fewer defects occurred in small or large abalone implanted with only one nucleus on dorsal position. In contrast, small and large abalone implanted in the ventral position formed less mabe, with thinner nacre, poor lustre and more defects. This likely occurs because mantle tissue folds at the ventral position and does not always cover the nucleus, leaving it partially or totally exposed. Most of the pearls were categories AA in small abalone and A in large abalone; only three AAA gems were produced in large abalone with one nucleus on dorsal position or with three nuclei (DCV). Based on these results, we recommend implanting abalone at 60–100 mm shell length, with only one nucleus on the dorsal position.

Progress towards reestablishing Latin America as a major pearl producing region: A review

“…Contrasting with the pearl sector, interest and investment for commercial production of other high‐value aquaculture species in Latin America is considerable; this occurs in Mexico with the ‘totoaba’ drum, Totoaba macdonaldii ; in Panama with shrimp and cobia, Rachycentron canadum ; and in Chile with the Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar , and red abalone, Haliotis rufescens . With H. rufescens in particular, significant advances have been made in Chile over recent years in optimising methods for mabé pearl production 58 and patenting the technique for bead‐nucleated pearl production 91 . Particular attention has been given in application of both activities into programmes that promote social and economic development in some regions.…”

“…and Pinctada spp. ), 20,[55][56][57] gastropods such as abalone, 58 and freshwater mussels. 51 Mabé pearl production is carried out in Mexico, Ecuador and Peru using Pt.…”

“…totoaba' drum, Totoaba macdonaldii; in Panama with shrimp and cobia, Rachycentron canadum; and in Chile with the Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, and red abalone, Haliotis rufescens. With H. rufescens in particular, significant advances have been made in Chile over recent years in optimising methods for mabé pearl production58 and patenting the technique for bead-nucleated pearl production 91. Particular attention has been given in application of both activities into programmes that promote social and economic development in some regions.In summary, pearl oyster research is ongoing in a number of Latin American countries, focused on optimising pearl culture techniques, scaling-up production, and improving pearl yield.…”

Freshwater pearl culture in Mexico: historic context, present status and future perspectives

“…2020) and abalone (Rojas‐Figueroa et al . 2019). As a common factor to all mollusc groups, the mabe or ‘composite blister technique’ evolved from an ancient Chinese method that used the wrinkle comb mussel C. plicata for producing Buddha pearls from lead‐made Buddha figures cemented on the inner face of the shell (Dan & Ruobo 2002; Fiske & Shepherd 2007).…”