Latest news with #SocietyIslands
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
MIT scientists find first evidence that rivers form coral reef passes
In a new groundbreaking study out of MIT, researchers proved a theory that island rivers help shape and maintain the health of a reef rather than impacting it negatively. The findings stand to change conservation efforts for the better. In a paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Geophysical Research Letters, the MIT team described reef passes as "deep, navigable channels dissecting coral reefs around volcanic islands." These are basically wide channels that cut through the coral and serve as conduits for ocean water and nutrients to filter in and out. As many reef passes are found to form near large island river basins, researchers had previously assumed a relationship existed between the two. However, the theory remained unproven until now. The authors of the latest study showed "how coral reefs line up with where rivers funnel out from an island's coast." These water channels play a direct role as a freshwater body meets the sea, providing circulation throughout a reef and maintaining the health of corals by allowing saltwater and transporting key nutrients, a media release by MIT explained. The study impacts scientists' understanding of how coral reefs form and function, as much discussion has been brewing about this symbiotic interaction in recent years. MIT researchers focused on the Society Islands, a chain in the South Pacific Ocean around Tahiti and Bora Bora. However, the pandemic limited their ability to work onsite, needing to rely on satellite images and maps. Lead study authors professor Taylor Perron and graduate student Megan Gillen found that "reef passes are deep channels cutting through reef barriers and flats that facilitate wave- and tide-driven circulation. These passes regulate flow between lagoon and ocean." "It is well known that rivers discharging freshwater and sediment off islands affect reef structure and composition," study authors added. However, was there a direct connection between outlets of large island rivers and reef passes? Thanks to geospatial analysis of the archipelago, the researchers discovered that river basins drain to parts of the reef, essentially creating an underwater highway. River erosion actually shapes these coral formations. Rivers running towards the ocean created these eroded depressions in the coastline over time. The study authors identified two river-driven reef pass formation mechanisms: reef incision and reed encroachment. Incision refers to how "rivers cut passes into reefs exposed when the sea level is lower." Encroachment refers to where "old river channels on land are preserved as passes when sea level rises." "Reefs migrate toward the islands as sea levels rise, trying to keep pace with changing average sea level," observed Gillen. The study further states that the results "show how rivers may support reef health over geologic timescales by enhancing water circulation between lagoons and oceans." "A lot of discussion around rivers and their impact on reefs today has been negative because of human impact and the effects of agricultural practices," said Gillen. "This study shows the potential long-term benefits rivers can have on reefs, which I hope reshapes the paradigm and highlights the natural state of rivers interacting with reefs," she added Now, with this knowledge proven, Gillen will be exploring how rivers could be engineered to promote circulation and reef health. You can view the full study in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.
RNZ News
09-06-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
French Polynesia president announces highly protected marine area
Gambier Islands Photo: Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy French Polynesia's president has announced his administration will establish one of the world's largest networks of highly protected marine areas (MPAs). The highly protected areas will safeguard 220,000 square kilometres of remote waters near the Society Islands and 680,000 square kilometers near the Gambier Islands. Speaking at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France , President Moetai Brotherson pledged to protect nearly 23 percent of French Polynesia's waters. "In French Polynesia, the ocean is much more than a territory - it's the source of life, culture, and identity," he said. "By strengthening the protection of Tainui Atea (the existing marine managed area that encompasses all French Polynesian waters) and laying the foundations for future marine protected areas... we are asserting our ecological sovereignty while creating biodiversity sanctuaries for our people and future generations." Once implemented, this will be one of the world's single-largest designations of highly protected ocean space in history. Access will be limited, and all forms of extraction, such as fishing and mining, will be banned. The government is also aiming to create a highly protected artisanal fishing zone that extends about 28 kilometres from the Austral, Marquesas, and Gambier islands and 55-and-a-half kilometres around the Society Islands. Fishing in that zone will be limited to traditional single pole-and-line catch from boats less than 12 metres in length. Together, the zones encompass an area about twice the size of continental France. President Brotherson also promised to create additional artisanal fishing zones and two more large, highly protected MPAs within the next year near the Austral and Marquesas islands. He also committed to bolster conservation measures within the remainder of French Polynesia's waters. Donatien Tanret, who leads Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy's work in French Polynesia, said local communities have made it clear that they want to see stronger protections that reflect both scientific guidance and their ancestral culture for future generations. "These protections and commitments to future designations are a powerful example of how local leadership and traditional measures such as rāhui can address modern challenges." Before the conference, Samoa adopted a legally binding Marine Spatial Plan - a step to fully protect 30 percent and ensure sustainable management of 100 percent of its ocean. The plan includes the establishment of nine new fully protected MPAs, covering 36,000 square kilometres of ocean. Toeolesulsulu Cedric Schuster, Samoa's Minister for Natural Resources and Environment, said Samoa is a large ocean state and its way of life is under increased threat from issues including climate change and overfishing. "This Marine Spatial Plan marks a historic step towards ensuring that our ocean remains prosperous and healthy to support all future generations of Samoans - just as it did for us and our ancestors."
Travel Weekly
29-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Windstar launches free-air offer for Tahiti cruises
Windstar Cruises is offering complimentary economy air to Tahiti on select 2025 and 2026 packages. For travelers booking through July 31, three Tahiti packages include roundtrip air from Los Angeles to Papeete on Air Tahiti Nui. The offer applies to select departures from July 2025 through March 24, 2026. Travel advisors must use booking code: AIR. Each itinerary includes air, hotel stays and transfers. The offer applies to three packages: Dreams of Tahiti (a 10-day escape through the Society Islands), Tahiti & the Tuamotu Islands (a 13- or 14-day trip pairing the Society Islands with the Tuamotus), and Tahitian Treasures & Magnificent Marquesas (a 17-day voyage). An upgrade to a higher air class is available for an additional charge based on availability.
