Centre for Island Research and Environmental Observatory
CRIOBE

Geographical location

Islands of Moorea,
French Polynesia
17°31’07’’ S ; 149°50’59’’ West

Established

1971

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Environmental context and issues

Globally, coral reefs are home to 25% of marine fauna and flora while covering only 0.2% of marine surfaces. In addition to their biodiversity, coral reefs are an economic, social and cultural issue for the inhabitants of the countries that they border. As with forests, coral reefs are facing dramatic decline (almost 25% have already disappeared, and 50% are in a critical situation), in particular because of the impact of climate change. Within this context, SEE CORAIL provides a number of facilities that enable in vivo and in situ experiments on coral and, more broadly, on the coral reef. These facilities make it possible to manage and control the variables related to climate change in order to better understand the persistence processes of populations and biological communities, as well as the mechanisms of resistance to climatic stress.

Services

SEE CORAIL is part of the Centre of Island Research and Environmental Observatory (CRIOBE) and, as such, has access to the CRIOBE facilities, such as an accommodation capacity for 30 people, a diving service, 3 vehicles, 4 reef boats, along with internet facilities at the reception desk and a laboratory equipped with basic equipment.

In addition to the marine station facilities, SEE CORAIL provides

• in vivo experiment spaces where the temperature – pH – light cycles can be monitored and programmed in a controlled aquatic environment,
• large-volume outdoor basins for larger experiments and also for monitoring temperature – pH cycles,
• a coral nursery with cutting beds which can be customised according to experiments.

Access to services

A steering committee is responsible for examining the projects submitted by candidates with regard to using the facilities, according to the following criteria: scientific interest, service requirements (equipment, laboratory and farming spaces and materials, offices, accommodation, vehicles, etc.), compatibility with ongoing projects, and the business plan.

Technological innovation

Development of a new-concept moveable ground platform to be positioned on the reef for in situ experiments. Design phase currently ongoing.