Namdrik Atoll
Namdrik is one of the most southerly atolls in the Marshall Islands. It’s about 250 miles from Majuro and has just a little more than one square mile of land. Namdrik’s Senator, Matt Zackhras, and the Mayor, Clarence Luther, are pro-active in improving conditions on the atoll through developing various projects, including the farming of black pearls. The pears have a high value, are easy to transport, and are non-perishable. The fact that Namdrik’s lagoon is enclosed, with no pass for boats, means it is pristine and perfect for growing pearls. Namdrik is the only place in the Marshall Islands where Black-lip pearl oysters are present in significant quantity, due to its enclosed pristine lagoon. The project is assisted by a group called Seacology, which also funded an education and surveillance center. Below are scenes from the Namdrik pearl project generously provided by Senator Matt.
