Marine Turtles: Which Species and Where to Find Them?

1. Sea Turtles: What Species and Where to Find Them?

There are seven species of sea turtles worldwide; five can be found in French Polynesia:

• Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), called honu in Tahitian – the most common in Polynesian lagoons.
• Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), or beak-headed turtle – often found in coral reefs.
• Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), rarer, mainly seen in open sea or Tuamotu.
• Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta), occasional presence.
• Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), shy yet present.

2. Life Cycle & Migration, with a Focus on Polynesia

Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

• Reproduction: after 20–35 years, they migrate every 2 to 5 years to lay eggs near their birthplace. In Polynesia, the Motu of Tetiaroa is a renowned nesting site, scientifically monitored by Te Mana o Te Moana.
• Migration: Marine turtles tagged at Rose Atoll have travelled ~1,600 km to Fiji after nesting.

Other Species

• Eretmochelys imbricata, Dermochelys coriacea, Caretta caretta, and Lepidochelys olivacea also migrate, though their behaviours are less documented locally.
• 3. Habitat & Feeding
• Lagoons & Seagrass Meadows: primary feeding grounds for green turtles. The seaweed-scarce Polynesia urges turtles to migrate to richer food areas.
• Coral Reefs: preferred habitat for hawksbill turtles, fond of sponges.
• Open Sea: essential for leatherback and olive ridley turtles, especially during migrations.
• 4. Conservation Status & Threats

In Polynesia: all species are threatened or endangered according to the IUCN.

Main threats include:

• Destruction of nesting beaches (urbanisation, tourism)
• Accidental captures, plastic pollution
• Climate change: altering incubation temperatures (influencing the sex of hatchlings)
• Illegal fishing, egg harvesting.

Strong actions are being implemented, including creating protected areas, egg harvesting bans, and scientific monitoring programmes (Te Mana o Te Moana, Tetiaroa Society).

5. Symbolism & Culture in Polynesia

• The Tahitian word “honu” refers to the green turtle, a sacred animal in Polynesian culture.
• The turtle symbolises wisdom, longevity, protection, and a deep connection with the sea.
• Traditional customs prohibited its consumption by priests and nobles.

6. Observations & Snorkeling: Polynesian Experiences

• Renowned Polynesian spots: Tetiaroa lagoon, Moorea, Tuamotu, where green turtles are approachable during dives.
• Frequent encounters between snorkelers and turtles in shallow seagrass beds; greatly enjoyed by visitors.

7. Focus: Local Conservation Efforts and Initiatives

• Te Mana o Te Moana (founded in 2004): photo-identification, release of injured specimens, monitoring of births.
• Tetiaroa Society: studies on the evolution of green turtle nests at Tetiaroa, regulated according to the Polynesian Environmental Code.
• Motu Reserves: creation of sanctuaries on nesting beaches, with bans on capture and egg collection.

8. Why Sea Turtles Captivate

• Longevity & ocean memory: up to 70 years for greens, 500 kg and 2.7 m for leatherbacks.
• Sense of direction: returning to birthplace with an internal magnetic compass.
• Emotional symbol: wisdom, patience, connection to Tahitian sacredness (honu).

9. In Summary

• Polynesian species: green, hawksbill, leatherback, loggerhead, olive ridley.
• Habitat: lagoons, reefs, open sea depending on species.
• Life cycle: massive migrations for nesting, difficult juvenile survival.
• Threats: human, climatic, and environmental.
• Local actions: sanctuarisation, study, regulation, release.
• Culture & symbolism: deep-rooted in Polynesian society, universal respect and fascination.

10. The Turtle as Jewellery: Between Symbol, Talisman and Elegance

The turtle, notably the Polynesian honu, has inspired numerous contemporary jewellery pieces, worn by both women and men. Its powerful image, associated with protection and wisdom, makes it a universal talisman.

Why It Appeals:

• Symbol of resilience: the turtle's slowness and longevity embody inner peace, steady strength, constancy in effort.
• Connection to the ocean: for those with a strong bond to the sea, it becomes a jewellery-memory, a benevolent presence.
• Unisex jewellery: a discreet pendant or a more stylised piece, the turtle suits all materials – silver, gold, wood, mother-of-pearl, volcanic stones, or Tahiti pearls.

Growing Popularity:

• In Polynesia, the turtle is often carved as a traditional pendant (often in wood, bone, or mother-of-pearl), adorned with Marquesan or Tahitian motifs.
• In contemporary jewellery, it is reimagined in finely chiselled gold or silver, sometimes with a Tahiti pearl at its centre or as a mobile pendant beneath the shell.
• It can be worn at the neck, wrist, or even on a signet ring, becoming an elegant and timeless good luck charm.

At Poemotu, this symbol could also find its place in dialogue with black pearls, engraved pearls, representing the connection between terrestrial wisdom and lagoonal depth.

Marine turtles are more than just beautiful animals: they are the ancestral link between humans and the ocean, bearers of memory, beauty, and spirituality in Polynesia.

Protecting these species means preserving an invaluable natural and cultural heritage.