The pearl industry in Australia

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1. Guest5457
   

   Australia's pearling industry began long before European settlement. It is a major economic force for over one hundred years in northern Australia and for business interests in the southern capitals from the 1850s onwards. The pearling industry in Australia survived the economic devastation of both World Wars and today is recognized as a 'pearl capital'. Today Western Australia has a well-established industry including hatchery and culturing facilities producing pearls valued at $150 million.
   The invention of diving suits revolutionized the pearling industry in Australia. Not only could divers go deeper than ever before, they could also stay underwater longer and collect more shell and pearls. These divers wore vulcanized canvas suits and massive bronze helmets and were lowered over the boat's side to spend hours underwater.

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