Description
Since 2006, Te mana o te moana has monitored the green turtle nesting sites on Tetiaroa atoll, owned by the Marlon Brando family. The aim is to gather data on the various factors that characterise and influence green turtle nesting there. Collecting this data builds knowledge of South Pacific populations and so supports conservation measures and site management that fit.
This work is carried out with the authorisation and support of the Environment Department of French Polynesia, and with the sustained backing of The Brando hotel and Tetiaroa Society.
Since 2006, the number of green turtle crawl tracks on the atoll has risen from fewer than a hundred a season to more than 1,400 today depending on the season — evidence of the positive impact of long-term conservation work.
Objectives
- Collecting information on nesting females.
- Protecting hatchlings as they emerge.
- Analysing the environmental parameters that influence nesting and hatching success.
- Running awareness activities for visitors and school groups.
18 years of green turtle nesting surveys on Tetiaroa atoll since 2007
Average number of crawl tracks and confirmed nests over time
Number of nesting females over time
Around 350,000 hatchlings have emerged, more than 25,000 of them observed by the Te mana o te moana teams. On average, 88 eggs are laid per nest and 81 eggs hatch per nest, giving an average hatching success rate of 91 %. Nests are 55 cm deep on average, with a mean incubation period of 64 days.
Sea turtle nesting activity over time
Share of confirmed nests relative to crawl tracks
Seasonal variation in egg numbers
Key figures for the 2024-2025 season
This season, the teams recorded turtle tracks on the sand, confirmed nests, estimated hatchlings born and the average number of eggs laid per nest.
Among the female sightings, 19 different females were identified: 10 newly recorded, and 9 returning after 4 to 8 years away — including Vaiana 2 and CocoIti, with 9 clutches each counted this season.
Hatchlings found trapped in their nest, weak or injured were rescued and released into the lagoon, except for 17 of them transferred to our rehabilitation centre in Tahiti because their condition called for specialist care.
Photo credits: Te mana o te moana & Théo Guillaume.