After a noticeable rise in oceanic whitetip shark (parata) observations, paired with a growing number of pelagic ocean users, we launched a dedicated photo-identification database in 2018 to catalog individual sharks across offshore Mo’orea and greater French Polynesia. By welcoming submissions from fishers, tour operators, divers, and affiliated researchers, this growing database established the first population baseline and provided early insight into the species’ site fidelity, residency, and migratory patterns.

In recent years, this initiative has expanded significantly through a formal partnership with DIREN, evolving into a full habitat-mapping and movement-ecology program using satellite telemetry and live-tracking technology. A trained team of Mo’orea-born captains and fishers now lead our offshore field operations, conducting systematic surveys, responding to real-time sightings, and deploying tags on this critically endangered species. Their involvement ensures that traditional knowledge, local seafaring expertise, and community stewardship remain central to the research.

The integration of telemetry data with our long-term photo-ID and behavioral database provides an unprecedented understanding of how oceanic whitetips use French Polynesian waters, how their aggregation patterns shift through seasons and offshore habitats, and how human activity; including pelagic tourism, fishing practices, and vessel traffic influences their behavior.

These findings directly support our broader goal: improving ocean-user education, strengthening preventative shark-safety training, and promoting culturally grounded, conservation-minded practices across the community. By combining science, local leadership, and public outreach, this project contributes to the long-term protection of oceanic whitetip sharks throughout the region.

tuamotus tiger shark study “PROJECT RUHIA”

In November 2018, we launched our first expedition to a remote region of French Polynesia after local fishers reported unusually high numbers of tiger sharks in the area. What began as an exploratory mission quickly confirmed a significant ecological discovery: a unique hotspot where juvenile and sub-adult tiger sharks congregate in remarkably high densities and exhibit longer-than-expected residency patterns within the lagoon ecosystem.

In 2024, the project entered its most advanced phase. We surgically implanted long-term acoustic transmitters into 20 tiger sharks within the lagoon, establishing the first acoustic-monitored juvenile tiger shark network in this region. These tags, combined with a newly deployed acoustic array, now allow us to map fine-scale movements, residency shifts, and habitat preferences in unprecedented detail. At the same time, each shark was genetically sampled to investigate kinship, lineage structure, and the potential for familial clustering within the lagoon. We also deployed noninvasive fin-mounted video biologgers, providing rare first-person behavioral footage that captures how these sharks interact with their environment, prey, and each other.

Through the integration of community knowledge, advanced biologging technologies, genetics, and multi-year monitoring, this project is transforming our understanding of tiger shark ecology in French Polynesia and strengthening locally led conservation at every step.

Ecotourism preventative safety and shark behavior

In a region where ecotourism continues to grow and shark encounters are a regular part of ocean-based operations, it is essential that guides, captains, and crew fully understand the principles of preventative safety and shark behavior. Working with apex predators requires more than general ocean experience—it demands a deep respect for the species, the ability to interpret their signals, and the preparedness to respond effectively in any scenario. Misunderstandings or complacency can lead to negative interactions that affect both human safety and shark conservation.

Our training seminars are designed to equip operators with these critical skills. We provide comprehensive education on shark behavioral ecology, including how to assess a shark’s body language, identify escalating or undesirable behaviors, and make informed decisions that prevent risk before it arises. Participants then apply this knowledge directly through supervised field-training exercises with real sharks, learning how to maintain safe positioning, manage guest behavior, and navigate encounters responsibly.

By combining preventative safety principles, shark behavior education, practical field training, and emergency-response preparedness, we support operators in conducting ocean ecotourism that is safe, respectful, culturally grounded, and aligned with long-term conservation goals.

GET INVOLVED

Want to help sharks? Click the different links below for more information on how to actively make a difference in your daily life for sharks, how to join Team Mao Mana in our efforts, or how to experience sharks for yourself in an educational and immersive way.

make a difference

There are many was the average person can change their lifestyle (some big and some small) to make a difference for sharks.

donate

By donating to the foundation, you help advance critical shark research, empower local communities, and support long-term conservation efforts throughout French Polynesia.

Join an expedition

Want to experience sharks in the wild? Join a guided shark tour in French Polynesia’s shark sanctuary for an educational, immersive experience.