Tahitian Marine
About the Area
These isolated oceanic islands numbering close to 150, are surrounded by warm, clear water that support diverse coral reefs and species.
Located at a greater distance from a continent than any other islands in the world, the Marquesas, along with Hawaii's and Easter Island, have the highest percentages of marine endemism of any island or island group in the Pacific.
Local Species
Among the numerous species found in this region are several species of marine turtles, including Green (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), and Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea).
Also found here - the Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), several species of Giant clams (Tridacna gigas, T, squamosa, T. maxima, Hippopus hippopus), Phoenix petrel (Pterodroma alba), Christmas shearwater (Puffinus nativitatis), Coconut crab (Birgus latro), and the Spiny lobster (Panulirus sp.).
Threats
On the major islands, land runoff and sedimentation have limited reef development in many areas. Urbanisation and associated anthropogenic pollutants from sewer outfalls, agricultural practices, sugar mill discharges, power plant effluents, dredging activities and non-point source runoff have serious impacts on the water quality.
With the increase in fishing technology and demand, overfishing is a persistent problem on the high islands. Outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) have been reported in several areas.
Resources
Local Species
Among the numerous species found in this region are several species of marine turtles, including Green (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), and Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea).
Also found here - the Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), several species of Giant clams (Tridacna gigas, T, squamosa, T. maxima, Hippopus hippopus), Phoenix petrel (Pterodroma alba), Christmas shearwater (Puffinus nativitatis), Coconut crab (Birgus latro), and the Spiny lobster (Panulirus sp.).
Threats
On the major islands, land runoff and sedimentation have limited reef development in many areas. Urbanisation and associated anthropogenic pollutants from sewer outfalls, agricultural practices, sugar mill discharges, power plant effluents, dredging activities and non-point source runoff have serious impacts on the water quality.
With the increase in fishing technology and demand, overfishing is a persistent problem on the high islands. Outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) have been reported in several areas.
Resources
Size:
N/A
Habitat type:
Tropical Coral
Geographic Location:
South Pacific Ocean
Conservation Status:
Vulnerable
N/A
Habitat type:
Tropical Coral
Geographic Location:
South Pacific Ocean
Conservation Status:
Vulnerable
Quiz Time!
Is it true that this region has extremely porous soil?
Answer:
There's water all around the Tahitian Marine ecoregion, but finding some to drink or to use to grow food isn't easy. Many parts of the ecoregion have such porous soil that rainfall passes right through!
