Permit· Kauehi· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs

Kauehi Biosphere Reserve Rules

15° 52.5′ S · 145° 9.3′ W

Kauehi is one of seven atolls in the UNESCO Fakarava Biosphere Reserve (1977, renewed 2006 and 2017). Parts of its lagoon are classified protected areas with fishing and use restrictions.

TuamotusMarquesas

Practical

Coordinate is the atoll centre (OpenStreetMap). Arrêté n° 949 CM (18 July 2016) defines the commune's biosphere reserve. Arrêté n° 952 CM (same date) classifies three maritime areas in Kauehi as category IV (habitat/species management) and category VI (managed resources) protected areas. Zone maps are in the government's Marine Protected Areas guide (copy in the Soggy Paws files). In practice: anchor only on sand, float your chain, take no coral or shells, and keep any fish for eating aboard. Since 2018, sea-cucumber harvest has been allowed only in the transition zone in the NE of the atoll (Wikipedia). Kauehi has turtle nesting beaches and an endemic population of Tuamotu sandpipers, and the IUCN rates it a biological conservatory of very high importance (Wikipedia). There is a local biosphere association, 'Te vevo o te Manu Kaveka' (2019 government sheet). No visitor permit or fee is documented. Buy pearls only from registered sellers with a receipt.

Best for

Knowing the rules before you drop the hook

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