Permit· Hao· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Hao Ciguatera Warning
18° 6.4′ S · 140° 54.6′ W · approximate
Ciguatera fish poisoning is reported in Hao's lagoon, so do not eat reef fish without local advice.
Practical
A Tahiti-Info report cited by Jacaranda (Jan 2019) recorded 11 ciguatera cases at the Hao clinic in 2017, and the illness is widely under-reported. Ask locals which species and which parts of the lagoon are safe, avoid large reef predators, and know the symptoms (tingling, reversed hot/cold sensation, GI upset). The Katagiteoe medical centre is in Otepa. The position marks the town anchorage as a reference point. Lagoon fish are still exported from Hao: about ten tonnes a year go to Tahiti (fr.wikipedia), so ask fishermen which species they sell.
Best for
Food safety