Shark evacuation from Mo’orea island in 2002

Abstract Reef sharks, including blackfins ( Carcharhinus melanopterus ) reside in the lagoons and on outer slopes of barrier reefs Mo’orea Island, French Polynesia. In general are shallow enough to permit underwater observation, while dive clubs hold shark dives at different sites ocean. Thus, presence blackfin sharks especially, other species times, is confirmed daily. Between about 21 July 2 August 2002, all reef under possibly some species, left their lagoon ocean ranges disappeared from human view, a unique evacuation for which no explanation was found. The event suggests an unknown pattern or influence work perceived by but not apparent those investigating.