Sites

4Sites

The Pacific Transect Collaborative brings into view four islands, five partners, and one Pacific transect.

Palmyra Atoll, The Nature Conservancy

Elevation: 2 m   •   Area: 12 km2   •   Population: 2-20

In 2019, The Nature Conservancy launched its Climate Adaptation & Resilience Laboratory (CARL) at Palmyra Atoll (Palmyra) to refine, amplify and accelerate the application of conservation science and nature-based solutions to environmental challenges and places far beyond Palmyra.  CARL builds on nearly two decades of scientific investigation conducted by members of the Palmyra Atoll Research Consortium (PARC) under the administration of TNC’s Palmyra Program and the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (PANWR). The federal protection afforded to Palmyra Atoll by PANWR extends to 50 nm from shore with the 2009 inclusion of PANWR and adjacent Kingman Reef National Wildlife Refuge in the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM). Surrounded by nearly 53,000 km2 of protected ocean, reef, and island ecosystems, CARL provides the world with a rare opportunity to investigate and learn from intact ecological interaction chains, cross-system responses to management actions, and drivers of resilience in near-pristine marine and island habitats free from persistent, localized anthropogenic disturbance.

Moorea, CRIOBE

Elevation: 1,207 m   •   Area: 134 km2   •   Population: 17,200

Established in 1971 by France’s Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes (EPHE) , CRIOBE began as a modest research station on the island of Moorea, French Polynesia. Since this time, CRIOBE has evolved and grown considerably. Today, CRIOBE is a world class research centre with two locations: Moorea, French Polynesia and the University of Perpignan in the south of France and is one of France’s preeminent research centers for the study of coral reef ecosystems with more than 70 staff, including academic professors, research scientists and administrative and technical personnel from three of France’s premiere research institutions – École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE), the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the University of Perpignan Via Domitia (UPVD) – that together form the CRIOBE USR 3278 research unit. The CRIOBE falls under the prestigious umbrella of the PSL (Paris Sciences & Letters) Research University.

CRIOBE’s activities span multiple disciplines : ecology, conservation biology, genetics, chemistry and anthropology and its laboratories are spread across two main campuses : the University of Perpignan (UPVD) in the south of France and the CRIOBE research station located on the island of Moorea, French Polynesia. Specifically, scientists at the CRIOBE focus on the following principle areas of research:

  1. Chemical Interactions and Mediation.
  2. Coral Reefs – Challenges in a Changing World: Describing, Understanding and Anticipating.
  3. Functional Ecology and Ecosystem Services of Coral Reefs: from Local to Global Scale.
  4. Sustainability of  Social-Ecological Systems – from Science to Action

Since 2011, the CRIOBE has provided leadership for the Laboratory of Excellence ‘CORAIL’ which unites 9 institutions and 4 universities from France and its overseas territories.

Moorea, Gump Station, University of California-Berkeley 

Elevation: 1,207 m   •   Area: 134 km2   •   Population: 17,200

The University of California Gump South Pacific Research Station aims to advance the frontiers of biocomplexity science by providing operational, technological, and informational support for programs on Moorea. Established in 1985, the Gump Station occupies 14 hectares (35 acres) from the shore to 149m (489ft) at the entrance to Cook’s Bay. It provides excellent access to the ocean, lagoon, and island interior. International scientists and students are invited to carry out research and education programs at the Gump Station in science, engineering, and the humanities. The Gump Station and its partners work to develop Moorea as a model system for understanding how physical, biological, and cultural processes interact to shape social-ecological systems. Since 2004, the Gump Station has hosted the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Moorea Coral Reef Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) site, the only coral reef in NSF’s 28-site LTER network. The northern half of the property hosts research labs and residences while the southern half is dedicated to the Atitia Center, operated in collaboration with community-based organization Association Te Pu ‘Atiti’a. The Atitia Center supports local educators and traditional experts aiming to inspire, teach, and reconnect Polynesian youth with their biocultural heritage. 

Oahu, Hawai’i institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai’i 

Elevation: 1,220 m   •   Area: 1,545 km2   •   Population: 953,207

HIMB is a global hub for cutting-edge science and technology aimed at understanding and conserving tropical marine and coastal ecosystems. This exciting work takes place on the island of Moku o Lo‘e, surrounded by 60 acres of coral reefs that are part of a Hawai‘i State marine refuge.  HIMB faculty are leading experts in tropical marine research, restoration, and education. We develop and implement technologies and methodologies that advance the informed stewardship of Hawai‘i’s marine and coastal biodiversity. Our mission is to conduct multi-disciplinary research and education in all aspects of tropical marine biology.

Tetiaroa Atoll, Tetiaroa Society

Elevation: 2 m   •   Area: Land 5.4 km2, Whole Atoll 34 km2    •   Population: 140-180

Tetiaroa Atoll is unique in its geographic location – close to the Hot Spot and near high islands – but otherwise a typical small Pacific atoll. It has always been a private island, controlled by ruling clans and then by American owners, and has thus been afforded some protection from exploitation of resources. 

Tetiaroa Society is a US 501C3 non-profit whose purpose is to contribute to the understanding and wise management of tropical island ecosystems through education, conservation, and research related to Tetiaroa Atoll. In 2016 Tetiaroa Society developed the Conservation and Sustainable Use Plan (CASUP) for Tetiaroa. The same year the owners of the island, S.A. Frangipani designated Tetiaroa Society the “Environmental Steward” to implement and carry out the shared vision of the CASUP. As such Tetiaroa Society partners with S.A. Frangipani, Pacific Beachcomber (lessees of two of the twelve motu, and owner/operator of The Brando Resort), the government and community or Arue (municipality of Tetiaroa), and the government of French Polynesia (responsible for all marine habitats) to preserve and protect Tetiaroa. 

Tetiaroa Society operates an Ecostation (dorm and laboratory) on the island and hosts researchers, conservation teams, and field courses from around the world.