THE SEA TURTLE REHABILITATION CENTER
Since 2004, the Te mana o te moana association has been actively involved in saving sea turtles in French Polynesia. Through concrete actions in rehabilitation, scientific research and awareness-raising, we are working to protect these emblematic and endangered species.
More than 650 turtles cared for since the center's creation.
4 species collected: green turtle, hawksbill turtle, olive ridley turtle, loggerhead turtle.
59% of sea turtles arriving at the Rehabilitation Center have injuries caused by humans (harpoon fishing, capture in fishing nets or lines, etc.).
Release ratio of around 50%, depending on the age of the turtle.
OUR FACILITIES
The center is equipped with rehabilitation basins, nurseries for juveniles, and a treatment room for medical treatment of the turtles.
Monitoring green turtle egg-laying in Tetiaroa
MISSION
Annual scientific monitoring of green turtle hatchlings on Tetiaroa atoll and environmental parameters.
GOALS
- Data collection on nesting females
- Protection of hatchlings during emergence
- Analysis of environmental factors influencing hatching success rates
- Awareness-raising for visitors and school groups
KEY FIGURES
- Since 2007, Te mana o te moana teams have covered more than 16,658 km to monitor nesting sites.
- Over 6,308 emerging turtle tracks inventoried, with nearly 3,400 nests confirmed.
- Estimated total of over 332,264 eggs laid.
- More than 3,062 emerging turtles trapped in nests were released back into the ocean.
PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION OF SEA TURTLES
MISSION
Collect data on French Polynesian sea turtles using photo-identification under the TORSOOI protocol.
GOALS
Identify sea turtles present in Polynesian waters to better understand population status and long-term behavior.
KEY FIGURES
- Nearly 800 sea turtles inventoried in French Polynesian waters.
- Over 1,000 km of reefs covered.
- Data collected on sea turtle movements through photo-identification.
OTHER SEA TURTLE PROJECTS
SATELLITE MONITORING
Installation of satellite beacons to track sea turtles and understand their distribution and migration.
MANTA-TOW COUNTING
At-sea inventory of sea turtles around the reef drop-offs of our islands, using a method of observation carried out by biologists towed by a boat.
SEA TURTLE EVENTS
- International symposium on sea turtles organized by Te mana o te moana.
- Conference on sea turtles and monitoring of nesting sites organized by the Sea Turtle Care Center.
- Participation in international conferences on marine turtles.
