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

Raroia Lagoon Rules: Reserve and Educational Marine Area

16° 2.1′ S · 142° 28.2′ W · approximate

Raroia manages its lagoon locally: the north part is a reserve for sea cucumbers, pearl farms hold large areas near the pass, and the commune runs a labeled educational marine area with the Raroia Tourisme association.

TuamotusMarquesas

Practical

Approximate: Garumaoa (Ngarumaoa) village on the west rim about 1.5 nm south of the pass; interpolated between the 'inside the pass' waypoint (16°01.0134S / 142°27.1706W) and the airport (16.0469S / 142.4769W). Confirm on satellite imagery. Raroia is not a biosphere reserve and no rahui was found in published sources (as of 2024). Rules that apply: sea-cucumber (holothurian) fishing is allowed only in the southern part of the lagoon, the northern part being a reserve (French Wikipedia), so visitors should not collect them anywhere. The commune holds an educational marine area label (Aire Marine Educative) in partnership with the Raroia Tourisme association (commune sheet, July 2024; the school's AME was noted as inactive for 3 years with a plan to restart): ask at the mairie where it is before anchoring, fishing or spearfishing near the village. Pearl farms hold large lagoon concessions, mainly near the pass (French Wikipedia: about 800 ha; commune 2024: 5 farmers, 300 ha, 290 collecting stations); keep off their lines and move if asked. Ciguatera: fish considered safe one year have been found toxic later, so ask locals which fish to eat (Soggy Paws). Report to the gendarmerie at the mairie on arrival as a courtesy.

Best for

Knowing the lagoon's local rules

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