The silverlip pearl oyster (Pinctada maxima) is a large saltwater bivalve mollusk prized for producing high-quality South Sea pearls, renowned for their size, luster, and silvery-white color. This species is primarily found in the warm, shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific region. The top countries involved in silverlip pearl oyster fishing and aquaculture are Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Australia, particularly the northern coast around Broome, leads the world in both wild harvest and cultured pearl production, with tightly regulated fisheries to ensure sustainability. Indonesia and the Philippines also have significant pearl farming industries, where both wild collection and hatchery-reared oysters are used for pearl cultivation. These countries have developed sophisticated pearl farming techniques and export much of their harvest to international luxury markets, making the silverlip pearl oyster a valuable resource for their coastal economies.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.