Background
At the rehabilitation centre, Te mana o te moana took in 10 turtles injured by boat strikes, of which only 4 survived and could be released. Earlier years had recorded no turtles at all affected by this. Collisions between private craft and sea turtles are on the rise.
- Boat strikes affect people too. In 2024, for instance, a child from Rangiroa was hit by an excursion boat.
- The fatal strike of a whale calf during the last whale season (October 2024), between Tahiti and Moorea. That tragic episode is sadly not an isolated case: other boat strikes have occurred in earlier years, affecting whales but also other emblematic marine animals such as dolphins and rays.
- Humpback whales are present in French Polynesia between June and December, precisely when nautical tourism picks up.
An awareness campaign on the risks of collisions at sea
It is against this background that we want to launch a broad awareness effort, built around 2 flagship actions: a multi-channel communications campaign timed with major sporting events, and a grassroots campaign of training and direct sessions with sea users, the general public, professionals, and local authorities and partner public bodies.
A 30-second TV and radio spot on the protection of protected species, underlining how much the conduct of users on the water matters, seen through the risks of collisions with marine animals and with people.
Synopsis: immersed in an underwater world, to the rhythm of the breath of the turtle, of the whale, but also of the surfer and the diver, the viewer is brought face to face with the fact that we all share the same ocean… and the same risk of collision. The idea is not to lay blame but to create, through emotion, the desire to protect and respect what we all enjoy — this ocean that surrounds us.
Grassroots campaign
In partnership with DIREN, DPAM and CMMPF, and with associations specialising in marine conservation — notably “Oceania” and “Les Dauphins de Rangiroa” — but also sea users, with the Tahitian Federation of Competitive Underwater Sports: raising awareness among sea users, from the general public to professionals and associations, as well as decision-makers, public bodies and partners.
Islands covered: Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Bora-Bora, Rangiroa, Fakarava, Rikitea, Austral Islands — tour planned between September and November 2025.
- Raising awareness among professionals: training centres and schools linked to maritime trades (fishing, pearl farming, boat maintenance…), providers of nautical sports activities (dive clubs, jet ski, foil schools and other water sports), providers of nautical tourism activities (island tours…).
- Raising awareness across the association and public network: about protected species, underlining how much responsible conduct on the water matters, with environmental protection associations and public partners. Every commune on the islands listed will be contacted to offer information tours. In addition, each partner association will use these meetings to share general knowledge about marine biodiversity.
- Integrating suitable awareness materials into our education programmes for schools.
Any other commune that would like us to carry these messages to its residents can get in touch. The same goes for any other interested public or private body wishing to arrange awareness sessions.
To join and support our work, contact info@temanaotemoana.org — 87 71 53 44.
At sea, let us stay alert
The sea is home to fragile life that we must protect. To learn more about the rules of vigilance at sea that keep sea turtles, whales, dolphins and manta rays safe, take a look at our flyer. Following these rules preserves the beauty of the sea for everyone.
Partners
We are especially grateful to the Environment Department of French Polynesia, the Polynesian Directorate of Maritime Affairs and the Maritime Trades Centre of French Polynesia for funding this campaign, along with our partners Pacific Beachcomber, Le poids du vivant, Vilebrequin and Air Tahiti.
Thanks to the associations — the Tahitian Federation of Competitive Underwater Sports, To’a Hine Spearfishing, Oceania and Dauphins de Rangiroa — for their involvement in delivering this project.
