Monitoring of fish populations in the lagoon and the outer slopes of Tetiaroa
Since 2007, several campaigns to assess the ecological status of the reefs of the Tetiaroa atoll have been carried out by CRIOBE and its partners, in order to establish a baseline on the composition and dynamics of benthic and ichthyological populations. The cumulative results of 2007, 2008 and 2015 showed that the lagoon reefs of Tetiaroa show relative stability over time, while the outer slopes have been subject to significant disturbances (cyclone Oli in 2010, proliferation of Acanthaster planci between 2010 and 2013).
Despite these events, fish diversity and abundance remained high overall, indicating good functional health and resilience of reef communities. The establishment in 2014 of a Regulated Fishing Zone (ZPR) marked an important step in the sustainable management of the atoll’s resources.
However, the effects of this measure can only be assessed through regular and long-term monitoring, which is an essential condition for detecting robust trends and documenting the effectiveness of protection.
The present 2025 monitoring therefore aims to use the same protocols as for previous in situ evaluations (transect method with replicates for each site visited), in order to ensure comparability with past campaigns. In particular, it will make it possible to:
- update baseline data on the status of Tetiaroa’s fish communities;
- to assess the medium-term trends related to the implementation of the ZPR;
- provide local managers and partners with sound scientific indicators for the adaptive management of the atoll.
Client: Tetiaroa Society
Mission: from 15 to 22 December 2025
https://www.tetiaroasociety.org/fr
Marepolis is responsible for the field campaign (logistical organisation, acquisition and deployment of equipment, in situ data collection in scuba diving), data analysis, drafting of the comparative report and financial management of the project.
