The global pearl industry depends primarily on these shell beads produced in the southeastern United States. But the mussel fishery has declined in the past few years as the Japanese pearl industry collapsed due to environmental problems and demand for nuclei and shell fell drastically. Costa-Pierce is counting on Haws' technology to make the Gulf Coast a major player in the pearl industry. If you can grow oysters or freshwater mussels, you can grow pearls. Culturing pearls isn't the only reason to pursue this type of research.
Freshwater mussels are one of the most endangered of North American animals.
Dam building, dredging and poor agricultural practices continue to pose a threat to the native mussel population. That's where Ole Miss researchers enter the picture. At the Biological Field Station's Center for Water and Wetlands Research, scientists will study the best ways to breed and raise mussels. The information they gain can be used by conservationists as well as pearl producers. During the recent Ole Miss-hosted workshop, participants developed a strategy to initiate this research and get pearl farming off the ground.