Marine biodiversity of a pristine coral reef in French Polynesia

Understanding the natural state of coral reefs is paramount to evaluate response these ecosystems local and global human impacts as well management conservation strategies. In French Polynesia, some islands are still pristine or uninhabited, such Tupai atoll. has been with access lagoon prohibited since 2010. However, fishers from nearby often take outer reef slope at Tupai. Our marine biodiversity survey (coral, macro-invertebrates, fish) conducted in 2019 highlighted a low density commercial fish species top-predators on comparison lagoon, where represented 16% (of density) functional trophic groups. surveys also showed high living cover (46%) Tupai, perhaps due absence both touristic sub-aquatic activities pollution private activities. Overall, this initial scientific assessment granted an understanding spatial patterns coral, assemblages (i.e., lagoon), representing ecological baseline that could inform strategies ensure preservation ecosystem.