Involving local surfers in an environmental approach on a mythical spot during the waiting period of major competitions
The ambitious project to re-colonize the coral reef of Teahupo’o degraded site was launched at the initiative of Vaiaro Surf Club, the host association of Sparkgreen Tahiti Challenge, an international bodyboard competition.
His goal: to establish a coral reef rehabilitation program inside the lagoon. The project will be spread over several years and will begin by transplanting cuttings. This method, widely used to boost the colonies’ development on particularly degraded areas, involves recovering small living coral branches to transplant them on an artificial reef or a dead coral strain.
“We intend to proceed in two ways, by setting up a nursery that we will launch in the lagoon of Vairao close to home and performing in situ cuttings transplant campaign.” The association want to approach surfers using the spot of Teahupoo, especially during the waiting period for major competitions. An excellent opportunity to publicize this eco-friendly action, with world-class surfers.
The campaign will begin with an information to the surfers and will continue with the branches collecting taken from live colonies or recovered in the sand, then start the recolonisation. A transplanted branch can become a starter colony after twelve months. The next competition Vairao Surf Club will take place from April 18 to May 2 at Teahupoo. This is the second stage of the world tour of the association of professional bodyboarders (PDB). An opportunity for a first collection campaign.
