This work may lead to a simple rat detection tool that can be used on islands all over the world. This of course will depend on sensitivity of the eDNA signal.   With simple collection methods and many stories to be told, this will be an extremely important tool for the future of research on Tetiaroa and around the world.

Once invasive species are gone from the atoll, it will become possible to reestablish historic populations, like the Tuamotu Sandpiper and the Polynesian Ground Dove, improving species’ resilience by reclaiming their former range and distribution.

• Seabird studies are ongoing with the team from University of Washington and University of French Polynesia.
• The Oxford University group has already been working in the Chagos Archipelago and demonstrated that rat free islands have healthier terrestrial and marine ecosystems than islands with rats. Now they are working on Tetiaroa to understand exactly how these ecosystems resume a natural state post-eradication. 
• Mark Hay from University of Georgia started a new project on the interaction between sea cucumbers and coral. The hypothesis is that coral is more healthy and grows better in the presence of sea cucumbers, which feed on organic detritus in lagoon sediment. If true, this might have consequences on sea cucumber harvest world-wide. 
• Hollie Putnam, from the University of Rhode Island came to Tetiaroa to compare coral reproduction on an atoll with what she has already documented on Moorea. 

In May Tetiaroa Society and the government of French Polynesia hosted the first Blue Climate Initiative (BCI) Summit. The Summit was held in French Polynesia to accelerate ocean-related programs and initiatives, match investors with opportunities, galvanize task forces, and spur major announcements. The Summit provided a unique opportunity for a select group of powerful and effective doers to get together to make things happen. It was enormously successful and we are planning another Summit in 2024. If you are interested in further details the Summit Outcomes Report is here.

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.