PĀRURU
2021-2023
Genetic study of the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in French Polynesia and implementation of a citizen initiative to monitor the population over the long term.
Every year, humpback whales migrate to the Polynesian sanctuary to breed, calve and rest. This population is classified as endangered by the IUCN. Yet little is known about this majestic cetacean. How many are there? Where do they go? Are they loyal to their island of birth?
To answer all these questions, in 2021 we launched the PARURU project (“Protect” in Tahitian). Humpback whales visit all the archipelagos of French Polynesia. To count the entire population, we need eyes everywhere. From July to November, Oceania and its partners criss-cross the coasts to observe as many individuals as possible.
PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION
The whales observed are approached in accordance with current regulations and photographed to enrich a photo-identification catalog. The shape and pigmentation of the caudal fin (tail) and dorsal fin (fin) are unique to each individual.
We can thus identify and name the whales we encounter, recognizing them from year to year and establishing the beginnings of a genealogy (when meeting a mother and her calf, for example).
GENETICS
We also collect squamae*, i.e. pieces of dead skin that shed naturally and are left in the whale's wake. These pieces of skin contain DNA which, once extracted and analyzed, provides a wealth of information.
Among other things, we can estimate population size, assess genetic diversity and inbreeding rates, and determine genetic exchanges with neighboring populations.
* The harvesting of squame is subject to special regulations in French Polynesia, and may only be carried out by persons authorized within the framework of this project.
(DIREN agreement n°4141)
OBSERVER NETWORK
The members of the network, who come from a variety of backgrounds ranging from fishing to tourism, are daily witnesses to the richness of our oceans and the threats to marine wildlife.
Their insights provide crucial information for the protection of cetaceans and other inhabitants of the Big Blue.
You too can take part in the census of cetaceans in French Polynesia by sending your sightings and photos to Oceania via the OBSenMER application.
ANCESTRAL AND CULTURAL KNOWLEDGE
The humpback whale is very present in Polynesian culture, but this link remains little-known. Yet ancestral knowledge holds a wealth of important information for those who know how to interpret it.
For example, a legend can provide information on the presence and historical abundance of whales around an island or atoll, on the evolution of the migration cycle or on specific events such as a stranding.
Through the PARURU project, we hope to highlight the diversity and multiplicity of links that exist between the Polynesian people and humpback whales.
Key figures since 2021, thanks to our team and partners: