Ia Ora Na

When it comes to Tetiaroa Society, we strive to do one thing: Think big. Our natural world is in crisis, and our best hope is innovation and bravery in the face of change.

Tetiaroa Atoll is just one island group in a world of many. Yet, we see it as an opportunity to explore new tools and technology that not only protect and preserve Tetiaroa Atoll, but can help address larger environmental challenges.

Our 2018 Annual Report, published today, is an opportunity to reflect on whether we are meeting those goals. As you review the report, I hope you are able to recognize how the research conducted on Tetiaroa accomplishes this--from extracting carbon from deep waters to test the impacts of climate change on coral reefs to documenting responses to a variety of ecosystems following rat eradication.

I hope you enjoy reading about our successes from 2018, and that some even surprise you. If you find yourself saying, “Wow, Tetiaroa Society did that!?”, then I know we are on the right track.

Thank you for your support of our work. It is because of you that we are able to make a tangible difference on Tetiaroa and across the globe.

Sincerely,
Frank Murphy
Executive Director

Jim Hench (Duke University) has been doing research in Moorea for the last 15 years, and on Tetiaroa for the last 3. Jim's work on lagoon water circulation helps us understand a critical part of the physical character of the island.

The group was comprised of scientists both familiar and new to the atoll. Bob Carpenter (California State University, Northridge) is on Tetiaroa Society's Science Advisory Board. Jim Hench (Duke) has been working on Tetiaroa for three years. Craig Nelson (University of Hawaii) works on coral reef microbial communities, and is looking to start up a project on Tetiaroa to compare with work he is doing on Moorea. Phil Taylor (University of Southern California), Dan Thornhill, and David Garrison are all former or current National Science Foundation (NSF) program officers that evaluates the site for potential future NSF proposals.

Despite pretty rough seasonal weather, the group was able to explore the island and visit a variety of habitats. In the end, it was clear to all that Tetiaroa is an exceptional place for atoll research.

Our Organism of the Month for July is one of the most interesting birds on Tetiaroa--the Pacific Reef Egret, Egretta sacra. Called ‘otu’u in Tahitian or kotuku in Paumotu, it is the only resident shorebird on the island and is commonly seen on all of the motus.

On Tetiaroa it is active at all times of the day, hunting fish or crabs along the beach or on the reef crest, or stalking skinks and insects in the interior forests. 'O'tu seem to be territorial and make regular patrols of certain stretches of beach or forest.

Tetiaroa Society receives generous support from The Brando for our core operations, but our ability to carry out innovative programs depends on your help -- any amount is appreciated!

Tetiaroa Society is a US registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID #45-1080688). We host scientific research, develop and implement conservation and education programs, and curate the island's knowledge base. We partner with The Brando to establish Tetiaroa as a model for sustainability, where businesses, non-profits, scientists, educators and the local community work together for common goals. Our program objectives are summarized in our Conservation and Sustainable Use Plan, which is available on our website.