Tamataroa 2024
The Tamataroa Project, a joint initiative by the Mokarran Protection Society and Gombessa Expeditions led by Laurent Ballesta has entered its second phase. Supported and initiated by Blancpain, this ambitious program seeks to achieve tangible conservation outcomes for one of the ocean’s most iconic and endangered species: the great hammerhead shark.
Known as Sphyrna mokarran in the scientific community and Tamataroa in Tahitian, the great hammerhead shark faces an alarming conservation crisis. Over the past 70 years, its global population has plummeted by an estimated 80%, pushing the species perilously close to extinction. Its elusive behavior and rarity pose significant challenges to research, yet understanding this enigmatic shark is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies.
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In the atolls of Rangiroa and Tikehau, the Tamataroa team has laid the groundwork for impactful research. A network of acoustic receivers now spans these areas, enabling fine-scale monitoring of the sharks’ movements. Efforts have intensified on the "hammerhead plateau," a critical aggregation site during the austral summer. Using an innovative sampling tool equipped with a surgically engineered arrowhead, researchers can deploy acoustic tags and collect tissue samples in a single, minimally invasive encounter. This cutting-edge method eliminates the need to bait or capture the animals, marking a significant advancement in marine science.
Between December 2023 and March 2024, the project successfully tagged an additional 15 sharks, bringing the total to 27 individuals and recording over 30,000 detections since its inception. Preliminary data analysis has revealed distinct seasonal shifts in habitat use between winter and summer within the atolls. These findings provide essential baseline information for evaluating the ecological significance of these areas and their role in the species' life cycle. Additionally, 15 biopsy samples were collected for stable isotope analysis, which will provide insights into the species' feeding ecology by identifying the significance of specific habitats and prey in its diet.
Yet, the Tamataroa Project goes beyond purely scientific endeavors. By integrating cutting-edge technology, collaborative research, and active community engagement, it demonstrates the critical role of collective action and diverse skillsets in achieving impactful conservation outcomes. Through its innovative approach and steadfast commitment, this Project is uncovering the mysteries of this iconic species in possibly one of its last refuges.
For the people of the Tuamotu Archipelago, the great hammerhead shark is both a part of their daily lives and a deeply symbolic creature. It is revered as a protector, a source of wisdom, and even as the reincarnation of ancestors. Beyond its profound cultural importance, this majestic predator stands as a universal symbol of the urgent need to preserve marine biodiversity and maintain the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems.