French Polynesia’s waters encompass 4.5 million km² of ocean and support exceptional marine biodiversity, including coral reefs, seamounts, green turtles, blue whales and more than 1,000 known fish species. The ocean is also central to Polynesian culture and livelihoods, with a long history of community-based stewardship through the traditional practice of rāhui.

In June 2025, the Government of French Polynesia designated the Te Tai Nui Atea Marine Park across its entire exclusive economic zone. The designation includes two fully protected areas near the Society and Gambier Islands covering a combined 900,000 km², as well as 186,000 km² of highly protected artisanal fishing zones. Wider measures across the marine park include bans on deep-sea mining and drifting fish aggregating devices.

We are supporting Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy as it works with the French Polynesian Government, island communities and other partners through the Te Moana Collective to implement these commitments and extend strong protection further. The next phase aims to establish at least 500,000 km² of additional highly or fully protected ocean around the Marquesas and Austral Islands and expand the artisanal fishing zones.

Alongside securing these additional protections, the project will support the development and implementation of management plans, strengthen local governance, monitoring and enforcement capacity, and help establish long-term sustainable financing. It will also promote traditional Polynesian conservation practices and support sustainable, low-impact fisheries, helping to ensure that French Polynesia’s historic commitment delivers lasting benefits for its ocean and communities.