Preserving marine turtles in French Polynesia in the face of climate change

Like many species, turtles participate in the regulation and stability of marine ecosystems. Pollution, especially plastic, fishing, poaching but also climate change threaten marine turtles.

As part of the project supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the association Te Mana o te Moana, which works for the protection of Polynesian marine ecosystems and in particular marine turtles, is pursuing its mission :

- monitoring of marine turtles nesting sites in Tetiaroa atoll, in correlation with changes in water levels and erosion of the atoll's beaches,

- to study the evolution of water and beach temperatures in order to establish a link between the seasonal presence of adult turtles and sea temperatures,

- the setting up of a database dedicated to the Tetiaroa atoll to provide the observatory with a sustainable tool.

The association Te Mana o te Moana, founded in 2004, carries out missions of public awareness, conservation and research, and works for the protection of the marine environment in French Polynesia. Its main fields of action are the conservation of marine turtles, education, as well as the environment and the fight against plastic pollution.

Over the past of 16 years, more than 500 marine turtles have been cared for in their care Centre, 95,000 children have been raised awareness and 6 coral paths and gardens have been created.