Temae Beach: Biodiversity Evaluation

Authors

Ximena Diaz (0009-0008-6834-8237)

Emilie Enser (0009-0009-3364-2505)

Mariana Padilla (0009-0003-4183-9443)

Ariana Siordia (0009-0005-7780-7608)

Radha Srinivasan (0009-0008-0222-4864)

Introduction (Background/Context/Problem/Scientific Rationale)

Temae Beach, located on the eastern tip of Mo’orea, is home to one of the most biodiverse coral reefs in the South Pacific. The sector of Temae where our evaluation took place is a marine protected area (MPA), and adjacent to it is a control area. The location and management of Temae Beach present an interesting dynamic. It is protected under the MPA while also being home to a public beach and private overwater bungalows, battling active community disputes over the privatization of the shore.

Through the Scavenger Hunt assignment, the UC Berkeley Island Sustainability Program (ISP) 2025 cohort was tasked with exploring the reef’s biodiversity by identifying and photographing species across various categories: Algae & Cyanobacteria, Sponges, Corals & Cnidarians, Marine Worms, Mollusks (Bivalves & Gastropods), Flatworms, Crustaceans, Echinoderms, Tunicates & Bryozoans, Fish, Large Marine Animals, Birds, as well as ecological interactions. Our exploration and data collection took place on February 8, 2025, focusing on species active during the daytime. 

Project Goals (objectives)

The primary objective of this project was to identify as many marine organisms as possible from a list of approximately 100 different species and phyla within the Temae Beach reef. We were given between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on February 8, 2025,, to make these observations. The initial goals of this activity were general biodiversity exploration and practice with practical scientific species identification. 

In addition, the data we collected provided biodiversity indicators for the region. The Temae Beach reef is situated between a Marine Protected Area (MPA) and a control area that overlaps with a public beach and hotel, making it ideal for studying the spillover effects of anthropogenic influences, such as controlled fishing, and human activity. Several species included in our observation list, including filter feeders and slow-growing species, could serve as indicators of reef health and fishing pressure. 

Methods

Students must identify ~100 species from a given species list living among the Temae Beach reefs. Students will be split into groups of 5 and each group will be expected to identify as many species as possible from the list within the time frame of 9 am to 3 pm. Among the species list is also the required identification of various species interactions. Identified species and interactions are validated with a photo that must have been taken on the given day and timeframe of the scavenger hunt. Each group must organize these photos in a virtual slideshow presentation by 3 pm on the scavenger hunt day to receive credit based on point assignments to the species or interactions. 

Community Engagement 

It is important to be cautious when visiting the reef to prevent harm and protect its cultural and environmental significance. With appropriate prior briefing and care, this project can extend to other students who may want to learn about their local biodiversity and the species they can find in the reefs. In engaging the local communities, this project can foster a greater understanding of the importance of coral reefs, their species, and their significance to the habitat, and motivate the community to further care for these ecosystems.

Outreach Activities 

Following the completion of this activity, some outreach activities that can be explored lie in sharing any significant findings, such as new species or observed behaviors in the reef, with the scientific experts and local community, as adequate.

Project Expected Results

Students are expected to have been able to find, identify, and photograph the majority of the listed species between all of the groups within the given time frame. Student groups should compile their findings into a slide deck with photographs of their identified species and interactions and share their presentation with the class. As a result of this assignment, students are expected to have an improved and experientially-based understanding of the biodiversity in a coral reef ecosystem.  

Expected Outputs & Management Plan

The expected outcome of this project is for students to develop a deeper understanding of biodiversity at Temae Beach. This includes recognizing the different levels of biodiversity, from smaller organisms that might initially go unnoticed, such as algae, plankton, or sailor’s eye, to larger coral structures and the interactions between mobile and static species.

Students will also gain insight into which species are most commonly observed and easily identified, as well as where different species are located within the Temae Beach reef—considering factors such as distance from shore, sea level, coral formations, and open water. Additionally, this exploration will help students assess the species richness visible within a five-hour morning observation period.

A management plan will involve reviewing student-created slide decks in which they verbally and visually present the species they documented. The professor overseeing the project will verify the accuracy of the findings, address any uncertainties, and discuss observed patterns.

What are the societal benefits this project contributes? (economics, education, conservation, distinguish between local and global ) 

As one of the most biodiverse coral reef areas in Mo’orea, the Temae Beach lagoon may offer scientific insight into the health and conservation status of the reef. Several of the identified species, including mollusks and sea cucumbers, are filter feeders and thus can serve as indicators of water quality and overall marine health. Given the proximity of both the Temae Marine Protected Area (MPA) and a prominent tourist beach and hotel site, information on biodiversity could inform decisions on conservation efforts. Furthermore, this activity provides a solid foundation for teaching students about the variety of species and interactions in a coral reef ecosystem and could inform educational activities for future ISP classes or other students on Mo’orea.