The Cook Islands' cultured pearl industry is in peril.
Local farmers are being forced to kill off oysters because off a lack of highly-skilled Japanese technicians in country due to travel restrictions brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Jewellers says this is creating a shortage of black pearls from the Cook Islands which they fear will devastate supply chains leaving lasting ramifications.
Eleisha Foon has the story.
Kora Kora (Left) from Manihiki in the Cook Islands has 40 years experience in the cultured pearl industry. Photo: Kora Pearls
