Sustainable Fisheries Management in Tautira

The coastal community of Tautira in French Polynesia faces the dual challenge of conserving its costal ecosystems while supporting the livelihoods of its residents, many of whom rely on fishing. 

In 2018, after a significant depletion of fish stocks, the community implemented rahui, a concept integral to Polynesian culture and tradition. Rahui involves the temporary restriction of resource collection in designated areas to allow natural replenishment.¹

Coral reef with fish

The implementation of rahui resulted in a closed section of the island’s reefs, where fishing is regulated through community-led initiatives. To ensure a successful rahui, the community must devote a significant amount of time and resources to planning, research, and inclusion of input from members of the community.¹

The Project

The Rahui Resource Center & Forum, The Nature Conservancy, University of California Santa Barbara, and Nature Analytics worked together to support the community goal of identifying management measures for sustainable fishing. The Rahui Resource Center supported the community-led management committee by gathering data on local fish populations and providing resources to support discussions about management measures.²
Map of Tautira coast
Three areas that were closed to fishing in 2018.

Our Role

Nature Analytics worked with the Rahui Center to support the evaluation of management options through data collection, modelling exercises, and thoughtful science communication. We identified critical knowledge gaps in current management practices and fishery ecology and proposed various research options for the community to enhance fishery management. Specific sampling methods tailored to Tautira’s unique needs were designed and surveys were conducted in collaboration with the Rahui Center & Forum and UC Santa Barbara researchers.

Peyton Moore using a whiteboard to teach clients

 

Quantitative modeling was used to evaluate multiple fisheries management options and their anticipated effects on local fish populations and catch rates. Our team shared findings with the management committee, enabling them to integrate the best available scientific data with their traditional knowledge for informed decision-making that benefits the community.

Collaborators

P. Moore, A. Soszynski, B. Harford

References

  1. Hakai, T. T. (2023, November 7). How an ancient practice aids marine conservation. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/rahui-and-the-art-of-marine-conservation-180983179/
  2. Tahiti peninsula | Rāhui Center. (2024). https://rahuicenter.pf/en/our-projects/tahiti-peninsula/