{"id":939,"date":"2016-02-24T01:12:47","date_gmt":"2016-02-24T11:12:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/fr.pf.yellowflagguides.com\/?page_id=418"},"modified":"2016-02-24T01:12:47","modified_gmt":"2016-02-24T11:12:47","slug":"marine-life","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/fr.pf.yellowflagguides.com\/zoom\/marine-life\/","title":{"rendered":"Protect Marine Life"},"content":{"rendered":"

The sea, a rich but fragile ecosystem<\/em><\/p>\n

The importance of coral reefs<\/h2>\n

Coral reefs are at the base of the Polynesian marine ecosystem and host a rich and diverse fauna and flora. Fragile as they are very sensitive to the quality of water, reefs are built by colonies of minuscule animals, the coral. To continue to preserve the quality of Polynesian waters and the health of coral reefs, Please respect a few good reflexes.<\/p>\n

Good practices<\/h2>\n

Mooring<\/strong>: When available, use mooring buoys, because anchoring can cause coral damage and spread invasive species. Use the available mooring areas.
\nPublic maritime domain<\/strong>: Using the public maritime domain; do not enter private properties to access them. Respect local prohibitions (motu and coasts).
\nWaste management<\/strong>: Dumping waste in the lagoons is strictly prohibited (possible fines). Your waste must be sorted and disposed of in waste bins on land.
\nSnorkeling<\/strong>: Do not step on or collect coral. Do not hit the bottom fauna with your fins.<\/p>\n

Protect and regulated species<\/h2>\n

Sharks, marine mammals, sea turtles, manta rays, shells (troca, burgau, conch, giant mussel, helmet, triton) and black coral are protected all year round. Capturing, possessing and eating these species is prohibited under\u00a0 penalty of fine or boat seizure.<\/p>\n

Some species of marine animals are protected according to the area or the season (like lobsters) or are subjectesd to a minimum size when captured (like the \u201cbenitier\u201d clam). Get information at each island, before catching anything.<\/p>\n

Emblematic species<\/h2>\n

Sharks<\/h3>\n

Some twenty species of sharks have been identified in the archipelagos. Black tips, gray or lemon sharks are common. Some passes in the Tuamotu or bays in the Marquesas attract remarkable shark concentrations at the world scale.<\/p>\n

Turtles<\/h3>\n

5 species of sea turtles live in Polynesian waters. The green turtle and the \u00abimbriqu\u00e9e\u00bb turtles can be seen in the lagoons or behind the reef. Green turtles regularly lay their eggs in Polynesia.<\/p>\n

Cetaceans<\/h3>\n

16 species come regularly to Polynesia. The bottlenose dolphin, is often seen in bays and passes. Humpback whales are the most common. They are normally present from July to December when they reproduce. In French Polynesia, these species are followed by scientists and often observed by the public.<\/p>\n

In case you encounter with one of these animals, do not hesitate to also participate by visiting the following links:
\nwww.observatoirepolynesie.org<\/a>
\nwww.requinsdepolynesie.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Cetaceans watching<\/h4>\n