Coral reefs cover less than 0.2% of the oceans surface, yet they include nearly 30% of the known marine biodiversity. Their health is crucial to the diversity of species, and also for mankind. Studying this fragile and endangered ecosystem is a priority since a large number of reefs have been disappearing in recent years.
The TARA PACIFIC expedition (2016-2018) is a one of a kind expedition. It will cross the Pacific region from east to west, from Panama to Japan, and from Fiji to China, following an increasing gradient of biodiversity to the "Coral Triangle" zone, considered as a "hot spot" of biodiversity.
The main objective of the TARA PACIFIC expedition will be to understand the evolution of coral reefs as a holobiont in the context of climate and demographic changes.
The expedition will intend to sample 40 different reef locations of the Pacific Ocean and analyse the coral reefs (including algae, fish) through holistic comparisons in order to:
- answer major questions about the health of remote reefs far from direct human disturbance;
- explore the potential for resistance, adaptation and resilience of these habitats to climate change;
- study the biodiversity of these reefs at different levels of complexity, from the gene to the eco-system;
The expedition will aim at the integration of scientific knowledge and scientific interactions with policy makers.
The Foundation will develop a long-term policy recommendation plan to mobilize civil society and encourage politicians to take action and drive solutions to preserve coral reef and its services.
It will also highlight the problems populations of Pacific islands are specifically confronting. Thus, the different stopovers will be the occasion to meet local associations, institutions, local authorities and learn about the human and environmental priorities and challenges of each territory. During the stopovers, the Foundation is willing to organize conferences, events, animations with local civil society when it is possible. It also has an exhibition on board about coral reef. The Foundation has also educative materials and can organize visits on the boat especially for scholars.
Progress reports
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
Type of commitment
- Large Marine Ecosystem approach
Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
Type of commitment
- Scientific research and cooperation to address ocean acidification knowledge gaps
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
Type of commitment
- Other (please specify): research
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
Type of commitment
- Scientific, socioeconomic and interdisciplinary research
- Data access and sharing
- Scientific cooperation
Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in UNCLOS, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of The Future We Want
Type of commitment
- Activities to develop the capacity of States towards broader participation in and effective implementation of UNCLOS and its implementing Agreements
- Strengthening ocean governance, for example through the development of a national ocean policy or regional ocean policy
2018
