Using modified spear guns to collect tissue samples from 300 blacktip reef sharks, C melanopterus, for a genetic study led by Serge Planes of CRIOBE

Working as the field sampling team for a project led by Serge Planes and PhD student Kim Eustache, Mao Mana Foundation conducted field expeditions throughout 2021 to collect a total of 300 tissue samples from mature blacktip reef sharks surrounding Moorea. Samples were collected using hollow-tip modified spear guns. The use of this method allows for a more non-invasive approach to sampling rather than the traditional capture method. Tissue samples were transferred to CRIOBE for analysis for a project on the blacktip reef shark population of Moorea; reproductive success, kinship, and other genetic variables.

Collection of free-floating cetacean skin for a genetic study led by Asso. Oceania

During routine expeditions done offshore by our team, a wide variety of cetaceans are often encountered. Cetaceans, especially humpback whales who are arriving after a long migration from Antarctica, tend to shed their skin layers which will remain floating in the water as they move. Upon observation of cetacean species, team Mao Mana collected samples on behalf to Asso Oceania for a genetic project on the various populations of cetaceans of French Polynesia. Mao Mana was able to contribute many samples including those of humpback whales and sperm whales.

Shark incident response following a tiger shark attack in Gambier Atoll on behalf of the DIREN

Team Mao Mana arrived in Rikitea, Gambier Atoll in response to a tiger shark incident that left a pearl farm worker severely injured. Working with the DIREN, the mayor, pearl farmers, and the population we offered our support and assistance. This began with listening to the concerns and questions of the community and gathering details on the attack. For the remainder of the trip we joined the farmers at work to survey the environment of the site and the behavior of any sharks in the area. Aerial drone and underwater video survey methods (RUVs) were deployed in attempt to document the number of sharks utilizing this zone. Overlap in areas of human use and shark habitat are important to investigate to promote more positive human-shark relationships. Preventative in-water safety methodology is also key in areas like Rikitea where large sharks of various species are often present. Learning to share space with these animals & minimize risk without turning to ecologically damaging methods like culling is the goal.