©Blacktip Sharks - Tahiti Tourisme |© Grégory Lecoeur

Wild marine speciesin The Islands of Tahiti

Disturbances of wild marine species

In French Polynesia, marine wildlife is protected by strict regulations in order to preserve our resources and unique heritage.

It is strictly prohibited to attract wild species in any way, whether through gestures, sounds, or the promise of food. Any activity involving a wild species must comply with strict safety and caution guidelines. These actions put yourself and others in immediate danger. These practices are dangerous and can:

Disturb other users
Attract predators
Disrupt the natural development of wild species
Create an immediate risk of death or serious injury

Prohibited examples:

Feeding rays or sharks

Using food to alter animal behavior

Splashing or tapping on the water to attract animals

THIS IS NOT JUST AN ENVIRONMENTAL OFFENSE. IT IS A LEGAL VIOLATION.

Penalties and sanctions

Intentional disturbance to the natural development of wild species and ecosystems is strictly prohibited by a fine of 8 100 XPF.

Disturbing or engaging in harmful practices toward protected species is strictly prohibited and punishable by a fine of 17,800,000 XPF and up to two years of imprisonment.

Note: All species of marine mammals (dolphins, whales, etc.), sharks, turtles, as well as manta rays are considered protected species.

Emergency and Violation Reporting Contact Information

Violations: DIREN – Department of the Environment

📍 B.P. 4562 – 98713 Papeete

📞 Tel. : 40 47 66 66
📠 Fax : 40 41 92 52

📧 Email : secretariat.diren@administration.gov.pf

🕒 Opening Hours : 7:30AM – 3:30PM (Friday: until 2:30PM)

📞 For further information, please contact DIREN

Filming and Photography

of Protected Marine Species

If you wish to photograph or film protected marine species and use these images for commercial or marketing purposes, you must first submit a filming/photography request to the Department of the Environment.

Submit a filming/photography request