Tamataroa :
The Great Hammerhead Shark of the Tuamotus
- 90 acoustic receivers deployed on Rangiroa and Tikehau.
- 27 sharks tagged with the Shark Monitoring And Research Tool (SMART). No catching or feeding methods are used.
- Over 130 citizen surveys conducted among marine environment users.
The great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran), classified as Critically Endangered, is facing a sharp population decline due to overfishing and habitat degradation. Although French Polynesia established a shark sanctuary in 2012, additional measures are needed to protect its essential habitats. A study conducted between 2019 and 2022 revealed that the Tuamotu Archipelago, particularly the Rangiroa and Tikehau atolls, is a crucial area for this species.
In response, the Mokarran Protection Society and Andromède Océanologie have launched the Tamataroa project. This four-year initiative aims to collect vital data and promote sustainable conservation efforts across Polynesia.
A Gombessa Expedition supported by Oeil d’Andromède in collaboration with the Mokarran Protection Society.
The project has three primary focuses:
Scientific Approach : Observe and study sharks in their natural habitat without disturbing them, using cutting-edge technologies and fostering international research collaborations.
Participatory Approach : Engage local citizens, including divers and fishermen, in data collection through a dedicated network, while collaborating with authorities to incorporate this data into conservation policies.
Awareness-raising : Organise educational events, cultural activities, and school programs to engage local communities, emphasizing Polynesian traditions of respect for sharks.
The Tamataroa project is dedicated to collecting and analyzing scientific data, conserving the hammerhead shark, and raising awareness both locally and internationally through ethical, collaborative methods.
