Fifteen years after the first aerial survey of marine megafauna in French Polynesia, the association Dauphins de Rangiroa is taking part, alongside other Polynesian NGOs (Manu, Oceania, Te Mana o Te Moana), in the REMMOA II survey (Observatoire Pélagis, University of La Rochelle, CNRS, OFB, DIREN), which will cover the five Polynesian archipelagos over three and a half months, on an area representing one fifth of the Polynesian EEZ.
The objective of REMMOA II is to collect data on the diversity and abundance of marine mammals and birds, fish and sea turtles of the Polynesian islands, and to assess the impact of human activities on this vast protected ocean area. The idea of this survey is also to compare the information collected on the territory at fifteen-year intervals.
REMMOA II began in early February. The first two weeks were devoted to training the two observer teams and to the first flights in the Society Archipelago. These have already made it possible to observe several species of dolphins, dwarf sperm whales (Kogia sima) and beaked whales, as well as many birds (petrels, shearwaters, boobies, tropicbirds, etc.), turtles and large fish such as manta rays, mobulas and a whale shark (Rhincodon typus).
The two teams have now separated to survey different archipelagos. For our part, we have arrived in the Austral Islands while the other team continues its work in the Leeward Islands. We are currently waiting for favorable environmental conditions to begin our survey work around the islands of Tubuai, Rurutu and Raivavae.