THE SEA TURTLE REHABILITATION CENTER
Since 2004, the association Te mana o te moana has been actively committed to the conservation of sea turtles in French Polynesia. Through concrete actions in rehabilitation, scientific research, and awareness-raising, we work to protect these emblematic and endangered species.
More than 679 turtles have received care for since the center was founded.
4 species received: green turtle, hawksbill turtle, olive ridley turtle, loggerhead turtle.
59% of the sea turtles arriving at the Rehabilitation Center have injuries caused by humans (spearfishing, entanglement in nets or fishing lines, etc.).
Release rate of about 50%, depending on the age of the turtle.
Reception of Sick or Injured Turtles
Every year, the care center welcomes turtles in distress, victims of collisions, pollution, accidental fishing, poaching, or natural causes.
OUR FACILITIES
The care center is equipped with a rehabilitation pool, nurseries for juveniles, and a treatment room for the medical care of turtles.
Monitoring of green turtle nesting at Tetiaroa
MISSION
Conduct annual scientific monitoring of green turtle nesting on the atoll of Tetiaroa and track environmental parameters.
OBJECTIVES
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Data collection on nesting females.
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Protection of hatchlings during emergence.
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Analysis of environmental parameters influencing hatching success rates.
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Awareness-raising for visitors and school groups.
KEY FIGURES
- Since 2007, Te mana o te moana teams have traveled over 16,658 km to monitor nesting sites.
- More than 6,308 tracks of emerging turtles have been recorded, with nearly 3,400 confirmed nests.
- An estimated total of over 332,264 eggs have been laid.
- More than 3,062 emerging turtles trapped in nests have been freed and released into the ocean.
PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION OF MARINE TURTLES
MISSION
Collect data on sea turtles in French Polynesia through photo-identification following the TORSOOI protocol.
OBJECTIVES
Identify the sea turtles present in Polynesian waters to better understand the population status and their long-term behavior.
KEY FIGURES
- Nearly 800 sea turtles have been cataloged in the waters of French Polynesia.
- More than 1,000 km of reefs have been surveyed.
- Data on sea turtle movements are collected through photo-identification.
OTHER PROJECTS ON SEA TURTLES
SATELLITE TRACKING
Installation of satellite tags to track the movements of sea turtles and understand their distribution and migration.
MANTA TOW SURVEY COUNT
Marine inventory of sea turtles around the reef drop-offs of our islands, using an observation method conducted by biologists towed by a boat.
EVENTS ABOUT SEA TURTLES
- International symposium on sea turtles organized by Te mana o te moana.
- Conference on sea turtles and nesting site monitoring organized by the sea turtle care center.
- Participation in international conferences on sea turtles.
