Lagoon hydrodynamics of pearl farming islands: the case of Gambier (French Polynesia)

A comprehensive nine-month study of the Gambier lagoon in French Polynesia revealed critical hydrodynamic patterns influencing black pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera) spat collection, a cornerstone of the region's pearl farming industry. The research, conducted between 2019 and 2020 as part of the ANR-funded MANA project, deployed an extensive array of autonomous oceanographic instruments to measure temperature, pressure, and currents across sixteen locations in the lagoon and forereef. Key findings highlighted the wave climate, tidal dynamics, and lagoonal circulation, particularly in the northern region and Rikitea sub-lagoon—a prime spat collection site. These observations provided foundational data for a high-resolution biophysical model aimed at understanding oyster larvae connectivity. The study underscores the importance of detailed hydrodynamic data in advancing sustainable pearl farming practices while contributing to broader ecological insights for UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the French Austral Lands and Seas.

Bruyère, O., Le Gendre, R., Liao, V., & Andréfouët, S. (2024). Lagoon hydrodynamics of pearl farming islands: the case of Gambier (French Polynesia). Earth System Science Data, 16(1), 667–679. https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-16-667-2024