API CORAIL

Led by AHE PEARLS COMPANY in the Tuamotu Archipelago, the API CORAIL project is part of an active effort to preserve the Ahe lagoon. Noelline and Pascal, committed pearl farmers, have observed a worrying decline in fish populations over the past several years, linked to the gradual degradation of coral reefs. But the impact goes beyond fish: this degradation is seriously affecting the long-term viability of habitats for marine species, particularly molluscs such as giant clams (Tridacna), black-lip pearl oysters (Pinctada margaritifera), trochus (Trochus) and tritons (Charonia tritonis). Drawing on their strong local roots and in-depth knowledge of the marine environment, they decided to take concrete action by launching a coral reef restoration programme covering 500 m².

In partnership with WeOcean, API CORAIL focuses on regenerating coral attached to tables as a substitute for the coral substrate, alternating with tables enhanced using Mineral Accretion Technology (MAT) to promote coral regeneration and strengthen ecosystem resilience. The project also aims to create an Educational Marine Area, designed to raise awareness among local residents and schoolchildren about environmental issues. Through this initiative, the team seeks to combine innovation, knowledge sharing and community engagement to foster sustainable development adapted to island realities.

This initiative was born from a worrying observation: year after year, biodiversity in the Ahe lagoon is declining, with fish becoming increasingly scarce and coral reefs showing visible signs of degradation. Faced with this reality, API-ISLAND CORAIL, led by AHE PEARLS COMPANY in the Tuamotu Archipelago, aims to take concrete action to restore 500 m² of reef and strengthen the resilience of the ecosystem.

The project is driven by both environmental and social motivations: preserving a resource that is essential to local life, passing on a culture of marine conservation to younger generations, and fostering greater scientific knowledge of the marine environment.

Support from the AETHER Fund will help accelerate the project’s technical implementation, strengthen scientific monitoring and fully develop the Educational Marine Area, ensuring that the project becomes firmly and sustainably rooted in the local community.