In October 2022, a scientific mission set out from Fakarava to the island of Taiaro, a unique atoll in the Tuamotu archipelago. This exceptional place is completely isolated from the ocean, receiving only occasional incursions of strong waves. Twelve researchers and technicians set up a rudimentary camp there for a two-week mission, during which they conducted sampling and measurements while setting up a telecommunication system to gather data on marine life.
Why is Taiaro so Special?
Taiaro atoll is protected by the environmental code of French Polynesia and classified as a « Biosphere Reserve » by Unesco. Recreational divers do not have access, except for a few scientists with special authorization. Vincent Laudet, the mission leader, specifies that the island measures about 5 km long and 4 km wide. Despite the lack of direct communication with the ocean, Taiaro hosts 125 species of fish. The lagoon water temperature is on average 1.5 degrees warmer than that of the ocean, and its salinity exceeds that of the Persian Gulf. These extreme conditions raise questions about the adaptability of marine species.
Objectives of the Scientific Mission
Researchers from various institutions, such as the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), the Insular Research Center and Environmental Observatory (CRIOBE) in Moorea, and the Oceanological Observatory of Banyuls-sur-Mer (OOB), gathered for this multidisciplinary mission. The team also includes divers and engineers from Tenum, a Toulouse-based company specialized in telemetry.
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