Marine Species

It has been 20 years since French Polynesia declared that all of its marine territory (we’re talking five million square kilometers) would become a sanctuary for marine wildlife : whales, sharks, dolphins, and more. This month, as we celebrate this major achievement, we introduce you to four iconic marine species that inhabit French Polynesian waters.

Humpback whales

Among the very vast range of marine animals that thrive in French Polynesia, whales are probably the most impressive of them all. The average humpback whale is approximately 16 meters long and weighs a gigantic 40 tons. Despite their size, what is truly fascinating about whales is their extraordinary grace. Watching them turn, swim up and down the water column, breathe and jump in and out of the ocean is a spectacle that is unforgettable to whoever gets to experience it. Roughly from June to November, humpback whales travel to French Polynesia from Antarctica in order to breed and raise their young in peace, away from major predators.

For Polynesians, whales have always been a sacred animal, one that carries a very strong mana (mystic power). As an example of that, it is said that only high-ranking members of society such as ari’i (royalty) or tahu’a (experts) could wear artifacts made out of whale parts.

Sharks

Although sharks instill terror to most people around the world, they are viewed quite differently by Polynesians. Indeed, in French Polynesia, these marine animals symbolize wisdom and they are highly admired and respected by all. There are so many different shark species living in Polynesian waters whether inside the lagoon, by the reef or in the open ocean. The most common and friendliest of them is the black-tip shark, easily identifiable by its black-tipped dorsal fin. It is the kind of animal that is just part of every Tahitian’s daily life. We don’t fear them at all. In fact, they’re quite scared of us humans !

Being a protected species since 2006, sharks thrive in Polynesian waters and it is a diver’s dream to be able to observe them in such a peaceful environment. In some diving spots such as Fakarava, it is even possible to observe hundreds of them at the same time, resting along the water column, lined up like a wall.

Sea Rays

Have you ever had a skin-to-skin experience with a stingray before ? What if we told you this is possible in French Polynesia ? On the island of Mo’orea, some stingrays have grown so accustomed to humans that they love to crawl onto them with their soft, slimy bodies. Although stingrays are considered aggressive in some regions of the world, they are both very common and friendly in French Polynesia.

Less widespread but even airier are the manta rays and the spotted eagle rays. The former can reach an impressive seven meters and would leave anyone speechless at its sight. The latter, although much smaller, is undoubtedly the prettiest of them all. Spotted with white speckles much like a leopard, it’s a delight to watch it flap its wings in slow motion.

Turtles

There are seven species of marine turtle found around the globe and French Polynesia is host to five of them. These marine animals are extremely vulnerable, which explains why it has become a protected species as early as 1971. From that day on, threats on marine turtles have decreased drastically yet, this has not been enough. Today, turtles are still being hunted both in French Polynesia and around the world.?

For Polynesians, the relationship with turtles is complex. Although illegal hunting still roars, turtles are a highly venerated animal that symbolizes strength, protection and, much like whales or sharks, they carry a lot of mana (mystic power). It is also believed that turtles accompany souls in their journey in the afterlife.

Written by Pauline Sillinger