The observer and pilot teams of the REMMOA 2026 survey have recently been reshuffled before being deployed in the north and central-south of the Tuamotu.
Our “new” red team composed of Elina, Lou, Pamela, Olivier and Tema and pilots Bertrand and Pierre left Fakarava to settle on 15 March in Hao, our main base. However, we did not stay there long because favorable weather conditions allowed us a 2-day trip to Makemo where we received a very warm welcome from the inhabitants and were able to fly over the ocean of the central Tuamotu and the atolls of Haraiki, Hiti, Makemo, Marutea Nord, Motutunga, Nihiru, Raroia, Taenga, Takume, Tepoto Sud and Tuanake.
Several species of marine mammals were observed, including Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) and, again, Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus). We also saw manta rays, a mobula, and several sharks including the oceanic whitetip shark or parata (Carcharhinus longimanus). The most common birds are red-footed boobies (Sula sula).
During our stopover in Makemo, we also visited the Arikitamiro primary school and the middle school, with AME classes of CE1-CE2, CM1-CM2 and 4e. We were able to talk about our work in the plane, the archipelagos we have already explored, and the species we have observed there.
The students of Makemo welcomed us with a song! They already have a solid knowledge of their environment and asked us many relevant questions.
Thanks to them, to the teachers and professors, to the primary school and middle school of Makemo, and to the inhabitants of the atoll who welcomed us so kindly!
All the news of the REMMOA 2026 survey: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/2742370f799f4692a2996b68387f18a9