Location Profile: French Polynesia Marine Protected Area

Freeranger in Maupihaʻa an atoll in the Leeward group of the Society Islands

In June 2025 French Polynesia unveiled an ambitious and far-reaching marine conservation initiative at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice.

President Moetai Brotherson announced plans to designate the entirety of French Polynesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) – 4.8 million km² - as a Marine Protected Area (MPA), establishing the largest protected area in the world.

This bold move reflects the region’s commitment to safeguarding its marine heritage, while aligning with global conservation goals.

Within this huge area, 1.1 million km² will receive even more stringent protection under IUCN categories I and II—areas allowing only traditional activities and scientific pursuits.

These include two core zones: 220,000 km² around the Society Islands and 680,000 km² near the Gambier Islands, where no extractive activities, such as industrial fishing or deep-sea mining, will be permitted. Additional zones for small-scale, artisanal fishing—limited to traditional pole-and-line methods from small vessels—will support cultural practices while maintaining ecosystem integrity.

This incredible initiative not only elevates French Polynesia as a leader in ocean conservation but also underscores the power of local leadership, science, and ancestral knowledge working in concert. It sets a globally significant example, particularly for Small Island Developing States.

The establishment of the MPA also blends modern governance with Indigenous stewardship. Brotherson emphasized that Polynesians have long managed these waters using ancestral knowledge. Surveys show overwhelming public backing: 92% of residents support marine protection.

Eden snorkels with reef sharks in Fakarava's South Pass (Passe Tumakohua) - a famous diving location in French Polynesia, known for its "wall of sharks" where hundreds of grey reef sharks gather in the incoming current, offering an unforgettable experience for divers. This narrow, remote pass at the southern end of the atoll provides a spectacular display of marine life, including other shark species, Napoleon wrasses, and colorful reef fish, all within the protection of an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Key Features:

-          World’s largest marine protected area – Covers almost 5 million km² of French Polynesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

-          Highly protected core zones – 1.1 million km² under IUCN category I–II protection, banning all extractive activities.

-          Cultural and ecological balance – Allows only traditional, small-scale fishing in designated areas using artisanal methods.

-          Global conservation leadership – Positions French Polynesia as a model for ocean governance and protection rooted in local and ancestral knowledge.

When we visited: April – July 2025

Swimming with manta rays was a dream come true for our crew - Maupiti Island was a perfect place to experience their underwater world as these majestic fish gather in large numbers in the lagoon around a “cleaning station” where they get cleaned by small fish.

Reflections:

Many boaters feel that French Polynesia is up there with the very best places in the world to visit, to cruise, and to dive. Our three months there from April to July 2025 completely blew us away.

In the  Gambier Islands we saw some of the healthiest and most beautiful coral we have seen anywhere in the world, a true coral garden.

The Tuamotus were another world again, with the many species and sheer abundance of sharks being the highlight.

In the Society Islands, the corals are less happy, but the manta rays in particular were a highlight, and the islands themselves are just breathtaking.

Of the many initiatives that are ongoing, a particular one focusses on ensuring vessels have a minimum impact on the bottom – mooring buoys are becoming more common, and are often mandatory, and in other locations boaters are encouraged to ‘float’ their anchor chains to ensure they don’t drag over and destroy coral heads.

We applaud the French Polynesia government for the Marine Protected Area announcement to further protect this beautiful region.

X marks the spot - the crew of Freeranger in a moment of solitude in paradise

Some Citizen Science Projects in the Ocean Directory that you can participate in:

• French Polynesia Manta Project

• Happywhale

• Sea Turtle Spotter

• Allen Coral Atlas

If you know of any other citizen science initiatives in French Polynesia we should include in the Directory please get in touch and let us know!