Because of its intensity and uniqueness, the grouper aggregation phenomenon has been studied for the last two years by the CRIOBE, the Center for Insular Research and Polynesian Observatory of the Environment, linked to the CNRS, the French National Center for Scientific Research. Their scientific observations still await answers.
Herefore, a complete physical and biological monitoring of the South pass of Fakarava was set up for the first time: seabed mapping, sonar tracking, acoustic analysis, study of ocean currents, aerial photography, 24/7 fixed surveillance cameras. Some of the best underwater cameramen in the world have been hired to complete this exceptional assignment.
A 90 minute documentary film is being made to be broadcast on the European cultural channel ARTE in 2015. An English 52 minutes version will be distributed internationally afterwards.
2 grey reef sharks tagged with acoustic transmitters (+ genetic samples)
9 sharks species have been seen during the expedition. including tiger shark, great hammerhead shark, grey reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, tawny nurse shark, lemon shark, silvertip shark, blacktip shark, and whitetip reef sharks
The shark aggregation in the pass is divided into 2 groups for a maximum total of 700 grey reef sharks
This aggregation represent an average of 40 sharks per Hectare (which is actually the largest aggregation of grey sharks ever documented)
Based on shark nutritional demand, the entire shark aggregation would require about 350 kg of fish per day
7 camouflage groupers tagged with acoustic transmitters (of which 4 were detected by the receivers)
3 VR2W acoustic receivers were deployed (1 on the grouper aggregation, 1 in the pass and 1 in the lagoon)