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Scientific publication · 2025 New article in Harmful Algae: characterisation of Gambierdiscus polynesiensis in New Caledonia |
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We are pleased to share our latest article published in Harmful Algae: “Gambierdiscus polynesiensis from New Caledonia (South West Pacific Ocean): Morpho-molecular characterization, toxin profile and response to light intensity.” |
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Field mission · April–May 2025 Field mission in Reao: exploring the values of lagoon resources in French Polynesia |
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Chann, a student in agro-development at ISTOM, carried out a field mission in Reao, French Polynesia, from 10 April to 8 May 2025. This work is part of her internship at CRIOBE, which began on 24 February 2025 and is scheduled to continue until 22 August 2025, as part of the MaHeWa project. Supervised by two anthropologists, Jean Wencélius and Catherine Sabinot, Chann is exploring both the material (such as income and food) and immaterial (such as culture and identity) values of lagoon resources. She is also documenting community memory related to marine heatwaves and assessing their impacts on Polynesian lifestyles. Her next mission is planned for Takaroa, from 4 June to 9 July 2025. |
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Webinars · January–March 2025 Eight methodological webinars to strengthen MaHeWa’s interdisciplinary dynamic |
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From January to March 2025, the MaHeWa project pulsed with energy through a series of eight methodological webinars, orchestrated by Catherine Sabinot (ESPACE-DEV, IRD, New Caledonia) as part of Work Package 3 (WP3). These gatherings brought together researchers from diverse research units with the aim of exploring innovative methodologies to analyse the socio-economic vulnerability of island societies and strengthen the project’s interdisciplinary dynamic. |
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Field mission · March 2025 ANTEA mission in Lifou: studying coral resilience to marine heatwaves |
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From 20 to 29 March 2025, the vessel ANTEA docked in Lifou, in the Loyalty Islands subdivision of New Caledonia, for the first mission of Work Package 2 (WP2) of the MaHeWa project. The overall objective was to study coral resilience and enhance management capabilities in the face of marine heatwaves — a critical issue in the context of climate change. A scientific team set out to explore 10 reefs across two distant sites, including key areas such as Santal Bay, Cap Aimé Martin, and Chateaubriand Bay. The team consisted of Gregory Lasne (Marine Biocenosis), Magalie Boussion (ENTROPIE, IRD), Riccardo Rodolfo-Metalpa (ENTROPIE, IRD), Jérémie Vidal-Dupiol (IHPE, Ifremer), and Fanny Houlbrèque (ENTROPIE, IRD). |
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Scientific monitoring · November 2023 Monthly monitoring of the Southwest Lagoon within the MaHeWa project |
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Since November 2023, the MaHeWa project has been conducting monthly monitoring of the Southwest Lagoon to evaluate the impact of marine heatwaves on lagoon ecosystems. This monitoring spans from Anse Vata Bay to the Dumbéa Pass and relies on a network of 17 stations where key physical and biological parameters are measured: temperature, salinity, oxygen, fluorescence, turbidity, and pH, using CTD probes and fixed sensors. |
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Field mission · November 2024 The MaHeWa project kicks off in Lifou, Loyalty Islands Province |
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The MaHeWa project kicked off in Lifou, Loyalty Islands Province! At the end of November 2024, a team of two IFREMER scientists embarked on a mission with two main objectives: to inform managers and stakeholders from local communities about the general goals of the MaHeWa project, and to deploy thermographs at two sites of interest. |
