Moorea's underwater realm is as renowned for its shark inhabitants as its verdant peaks are for their majesty. It serves as a sanctuary for a diverse array of shark species, each contributing to the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem.
Blacktips
The Blacktip reef shark, with its sleek form measuring up to 1.7 meters, is a familiar sight, symbolising the sea's dynamic vitality. These agile swimmers are predominantly small fish hunters, gracefully navigating both the calm lagoon and the more turbulent outer reef slope.
Nurse sharks
Adding to this aquatic diversity is the nurse shark, a gentle giant of the sea, whose near-blind eyes are compensated by an exceptional sense of smell. It is not uncommon to witness these creatures, which can grow over 3 meters long, meandering through Moorea's bays and lagoon. Known for their docile nature, they've earned affectionate monikers such as 'sea cow' or 'sleeper shark', reflecting their sluggish demeanour and habit of dozing in the protective embrace of caves or nestled in reef alcoves during daylight.
Lemon sharks
Yet another spectacle is the sighting of the lemon shark, with its robust frame stretching up to 3.4 meters and adorned with a unique yellow or brown pigmentation. These sharks showcase complex social behaviours and prefer to inhabit and hunt near the bottom, a common yet awe-inspiring inhabitant of the Moorea reefs.
Grey reef sharks
The Grey Reef Shark, reaching lengths of two meters or more, is known locally as “raira”. This species is renowned for its curiosity towards divers and its role as a territorial predator. It is the second most common shark species in Moorea, with most sightings reported around the north-east corner of the island.
Whitetip Reef Sharks
Not to be overlooked, the Whitetip Reef Shark, akin in size to the Blacktip, is another captivating species of Moorea's marine tapestry. Often found resting along the sandy bottom of Opunohu Bay on the ocean side, these sharks are known for their tendency to seek repose during the day, becoming more active hunters at night.
For those who swim with the mask and fins, the experience of sharing the water with these magnificent creatures is exhilarating. It is a privilege that carries the responsibility of respecting and protecting their domain. The waters of Moorea, with their renowned shark populations, beckon divers and snorkellers to immerse themselves in an ecosystem where each organism, from the coral polyp to the apex predator, plays an integral role.
Pioneering shark conservation in Moorea
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of sharks to our oceans, Moorea stands as a beacon of conservation, where the delicate balance between human interest and natural law is constantly navigated. In protecting these creatures and their habitats, Moorea not only preserves its own natural heritage but also contributes to the global effort of marine conservation, ensuring that future generations may continue to delight in the splendour of its underwater world.
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