Tamataroa 2023
A collaborative effort by the Mokarran Protection Society and Gombessa Expeditions led by Laurent Ballesta, the Tamataroa Project aims to study the critically endangered great hammerhead shark.
Having witnessed an alarming 80% decline in population over the past 70 years, the intricacies of its behavior make it a particularly challenging subject for scientific study. This partnership, brought together by Blancpain, marks an exemplary synergy of expertise and dedication in the realm of marine preservation.
The movie
In the realm of marine preservation, a beacon of hope emerges as the Mokarran Protection Society and Gombessa Expeditions, under the guidance of Laurent Ballesta, unite their efforts in the groundbreaking Tamataroa Project. With the aim of studying the critically endangered great hammerhead shark, this collaborative endeavor represents a shining example of synergy, expertise, and dedication, made possible through the support of Blancpain.
The great hammerhead shark, scientifically known as Sphyrna Mokarran or Tamataroa in Tahitian, stands as a symbol of both majesty and vulnerability, teetering on the brink of extinction. Witnessing a staggering 80% decline in population over the past seven decades, the elusive nature of its behavior poses a formidable challenge to scientific inquiry.
Amidst the azure depths of the Rangiora and Tikehau atolls, the Tamataroa team embarked on an unprecedented journey, logging over 1,000 diving hours from December 2022 to March 2023. They encountered a total of 285 specimens, each encounter adding a piece to the puzzle of understanding this enigmatic species.
To enhance their scientific arsenal, the Tamataroa team developed a groundbreaking tool, tailored to the unique demands of studying great hammerhead sharks. This innovative device facilitated data collection with precision and efficiency, paving the way for unparalleled insights into the behavior and ecology of these majestic creatures.
Central to the project's success was the strategic placement of 60 receivers around the island of Rangiroa, forming a network that meticulously recorded the passage of great hammerhead sharks. Over a span of six months, these receivers documented an astounding 9,578 registered passages, providing a wealth of data crucial for unraveling the mysteries of this endangered species.
As the scientific coordinator of the Mokarran Protection Society, Tatiana Boube reflects on the monumental efforts of the Tamataroa Project, underscoring its significance in the ongoing battle to conserve our planet's precious marine biodiversity. With unwavering dedication and tireless perseverance, the collaborative spirit embodied by this project serves as a beacon of hope for the future of our oceans and the magnificent creatures that inhabit them.