By: Kim Tillinghast

Article Source: Victoria King Public Relations, Inc.

02/07/06 

Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort Demonstrates Ongoing Ecological Efforts For Island Preservation:  Resort Maintains Coral Reef Project To Protect Island’s Ecology

Papeete, Tahiti – South Pacific Management, owner and operator of the Pearl Resorts and Le Taha’a Private Island & Spa brands, has established an ongoing commitment to the enhancement and preservation of the ecology of “Tahiti’s Hidden Paradise.”  

Alongside their seven sister resorts, the team at Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort has shown particular concern for the surrounding island environment.  In August 2001, in collaboration with marine biologist Denis Schneider, the resort implanted new coral colonies within the lagoon beneath the overwater bungalows. At the beginning of 2003, the resort added its first coral reef, which has since grown to 43 coral reefs that are now home to 65 different species of fish, including carnivores, herbivores and coralivore.  

Most recently, in December 2004, a new group of 200 fish were added to the coral reef, including blue-green damselfish, peacock damselfish and three-stripe damselfish, all of which have easily acclimated themselves to the environment.  These fish, brought from a farm on the nearby atoll of Rangiroa, were provided by Tropical Fish Tahiti to further the resort’s ecological efforts.
 
“Thanks to the support of our supervisors, local viewers and tourists, this coral nursery will continue to be an ecological success,” said Jean Marc Vermorel, General Manager of Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort.  “It is intended to last for generations, to give back to Mother Nature as she has so generously given to French Polynesia.”

This project is inspired by three major objectives: to help coralline populations that live in danger on sensitive sites; to attract the maximum quantity of fish to the area; and to educate both locals and tourists about ecological responsibility.  The coral nursery is supervised semi-monthly by two individuals responsible for managing the evolution and well-being of the entire nursery.  Since 2003, the progress of evolution has been excellent, yielding a loss of only two percent over a one-year period.

In addition to its positive ecological impact, the coral nursery serves as a delightful sight for resort guests, who can enjoy the view of the corals and fish beneath their overwater bungalows.  They may also view the nursery up close during snorkeling excursions.

For further information:
www.pearlresorts.com [1]
www.letahaa.com [2]
www.maneaspa.com [3]