EXTERNAL “SPAGHETTI” TAGGING OF OCEANIC BLACKTIP SHARKS IN THE MARQUESAS, A HUMAN-SHARK OVERLAP STUDY

Our team traveled to Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Oa Pou to assess the shark population that gathers at the fish-cleaning docks, to begin a study to better understand the overlap in human-shark activity within the Marquesas. Through a community led initiative, 100+ sharks were tagged with external SSD dart tags for absence/presence monitoring of the C. limbatus population in the Marquesas. Community data collection surveys continue to gather insight on the residency and movement of these sharks.

SHARKS INTERNATIONAL 2026 SRI LANKA GLOBAL CONFERENCE

Representing Mao Mana Foundation at the 2026 Sharks International 2026 conference was an incredible opportunity to share the voice of French Polynesia within a global community of shark scientists, conservationists, and researchers. Surrounded by more than 800 experts from around the world, the conference created a powerful space for collaboration, discussion, and the exchange of ideas surrounding the future of shark conservation. Kori Burkhardt gave a talk on bridging cultural knowledge and modern science, referencing Project Parata and Project Ruhia as case studies.

GLOBAL MISSION: TAGGING AND GENETIC SAMPLING OF WHITE SHARKS IN STEWART ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND

This mission took us to the rugged coastlines of New Zealand to investigate the powerful white sharks that patrol these waters. Our mission focused on tracking their movements, uncovering the ecological forces that draw them to key hotspots, and understanding how their behavior intersects with local marine activity. Through tagging operations, genetic sampling, photo identification, drone surveys, and collaborative fieldwork with New Zealand scientists, we worked to reveal the true nature and energy of one of the ocean’s most iconic predators.