Episode 504: Reefs of Rangiroa

Scientists with the Global Reef Expedition are on a six year mission to study remote coral reefs around the world. Organized by the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, the expedition kicked off in 2011, with plans to conduct research in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. In the spring of 2013, the Changing Seas crew caught up with the science team in Rangiroa, French Polynesia.

While there, experts conducted extensive habitat mapping to create one of a kind seafloor atlases. Scientists also assessed the health of the reefs to compare and contrast the resilience of reef systems throughout the region. Experts hope the information gathered in the field will help local resource managers develop conservation strategies to mitigate human impacts on fragile reef ecosystems.

A Co-Production with:

Experts

Meet the experts featured in this episode.

Episode Photos

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The M/Y Golden Shadow is the shadow boat for the M/Y Golden Odyssey (left), seen here in port in Tahiti.

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A beautiful reef in Rangiroa, French Polynesia.

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The arc-eye hawkfish is of the smaller inhabitants of the reefs in Rangiroa.

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KLOF fellow Badi Samaniego counting fish on a reef in Rangiroa.

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There are many different species of corals on the reefs surrounding Rangiroa.

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Marine Biologist Marine Couraudon-Reale conducts a benthic survey on the reef.

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Humphead wrasse are a common sight on the reefs in Rangiroa.

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KLOF Coral Reef Ecologist Brian Beck, Ph.D. conducting a benthic survey.

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The reefs of Rangiroa are awash in beautiful colors.

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KLOF Chief Scientist Andy Bruckner, Ph.D. measures the size of a coral along his transect line.

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One of the many beautiful corals living on the reefs surrounding Rangiroa.

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Videographer Sean Hickey films Dr. Andy Bruckner as he’s measuring the size of a coral.

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The visibility on the reefs in Rangiroa was spectacular.

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Ken Marks conducting a photo transect on the reef.

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A beautiful reef in Rangiroa.

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Scientific Diver Alexandra Dempsey laying out a transect line up the reef slope.

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A pair of ornate butterfly fish.

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KLOF Executive Director Philip Renaud in Rangiroa.

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Can’t help but wonder if this fish is thinking: “who are you and what are you doing on my reef?”

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Clownfish, made famous by the Disney character Nemo, live among anemones.

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A beautiful reef in Rangiroa.

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Videographer Sean Hickey getting the shot.

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A Manybar goatfish.

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On the outside of the atoll, the reefs grow along a slope, all the way up to the shoreline.

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Videographer Sean Hickey films Jeremy Kerr and Sam Purkis, Ph.D., who work on creating high resolution maps of the seafloor.

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Dive Safety Officer Nick Cautin conducts a safety briefing near the decompression chamber.

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French Polynesia is famous for its beachside resorts.

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The M/Y Golden Shadow docked in Rangiroa.

Image Credits

Changing Seas would like to thank the following individuals and institutions who kindly allowed their footage, images and other media to be used in this production:

Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation

Alexandra Dempsey

DigitalGlobe

Ken Marks

Special Thanks:

Alison Barrat

Officers & Crew of the M/Y Golden Shadow

Episode 504: Reefs of Rangiroa

Experts

Captain Philip Renaud

Andy Bruckner, Ph.D.

Brian Beck, Ph.D.

Sam Purkis, Ph.D.

Badi Samaniego

Jeremy Kerr

Alexandra Dempsey

Image Credits

Special Thanks:

Funding for this episode of Changing Seas was provided by: