#Status of Coral Reefs 2002 - International Coral Reef Action Network

Status of Southeast and Central Pacific Coral Reefs ‘Polynesia Mana Node’
MAB
ATOLL DE TAIARO, FRANCE – MAB SITE
Atoll de Taiaro is in the Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia and was designated
a biosphere reserve in 1977 to include 7 atolls. Taiaro Atoll is considered the core
area of the reserve. The buffer zone includes 5 other atolls (Aratika, Kauehi, Niau,
Raraka and Toau) that belong to the Fakarava community, as well as the sea bottom
to 1,000m depth. Fakarava atoll and the ocean between the atolls is designated as a
transition zone. Taiaro is almost circular and has an emergent coral reef rim that
encloses a 5km wide sandy-bottomed lagoon, with a mean depth of 15m, whereas
outside the depth drops very quickly to 500m within 700m off the shore. The outer
reefs of Taiaro have a well-developed algal crest on the windward side and have
much richer and more diverse coral and mollusc communities on the leeward sides.
There are also whales, dolphins, and 3 turtle species (green, hawksbill and
leatherback) in the reserve.
The earliest scientific work was in 1839 (U.S. Exploring Expedition). In 1972, the
Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle (Paris) and the Ecole Pratique des Hautes
Etudes assessed the ecology, geomorphology, and hydrology of the reef and lagoon.
There have been more scientific expeditions in 1992, 1994 and 1996. There is close
cooperation between the traditional owners, the administrative committee of the
sanctuary, and the governor of French Polynesia for the protection of the atoll,
lagoon, surrounding sea and buffer zone around the atoll. Access to the reserve is
restricted to scientific researchers who have been granted permission by the
committee. Catching turtles and collecting tritons, molluscs and black coral is
prohibited. Cultivation of pearls is authorized by permission of the consultative
commission of public affairs.
Ecological monitoring: Although Atoll De Taiaro continues to be a focal point for
much biological and physical research, there is no long-term monitoring program in
place.
Socio-economic monitoring: Fakarava atoll, in the buffer zone of the Biosphere
reserve, has a small resident community, but the other 6 atolls are uninhabited. Thus,
there has been little priority on establishing a socio-economic monitoring program.
Contact: Miri Taratata, Délégation à l'Environnement, Papeete, Tahiti,
delegation@environnement.gov.pf.
Coral reefs are 80% the natural resources.
Ecological Monitoring is occasional.
Socio-economic Monitoring is not planned.
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