CORAL GARDENING IN FRENCH POLYNESIA

After witnessing the wonders of the Gambier Islands' flourishing reefs, two sailors meet an inspiring group of coral conservationists

- Floris van Hees and Ivar Smits

Floris is on the lookout at the bow, as we are sailing in uncharted waters. Some of the coral heads rise almost to the surface but, thanks to the high sun and clear water, Floris can easily see them. We keep them at a safe distance, and sail on until we find a patch of sandy bottom to anchor near the edge of the ring of coral reefs that encircle the Gambier archipelago in French Polynesia. The water in the lagoon is flat, crystal clear and azure blue. Trees and bushes grow on several small islands. Puaumu, the picturesque island in front of us, is one of them.

‘This whole island is made of coral!’ Ivar observes when we go ashore. In the distance, large ocean rollers pound violently on the reef that rises steeply from the fathomless depths of the Pacific Ocean. Upon closer inspection of the beach we notice that some pieces of broken coral are quite large.

A VITAL OCEAN LIFEFORCE 

‘Fragments of the coral’s skeleton,’ Ivar analyses. The smallest pieces have become sand. Its snow-white colour is the reason why the water around the island looks bright blue. In combination with the island’s dark green palm leaves, it makes for a picture-perfect scene. In the coming weeks we will learn that coral is not only beautiful, but first and foremost of huge significance for marine life and coastal protection.