The MaHeWa (Marine Heatwaves) project focuses primarily on three French Overseas Territories in the Pacific: New Caledonia (NC), French Polynesia (FP), and Wallis and Futuna (W&F). These regions were selected due to their vulnerability to marine heatwaves.
New Caledonia: The coral reefs of New Caledonia are among the most pristine in the world, but these exceptional ecosystems are increasingly threatened by marine heatwave events. Specific sites, such as the Southwest Lagoon, Poé, Hienghène, and Lifou Island, are particularly targeted to understand the impacts of MHWs on coral reefs, local fisheries, and the risk of ciguatera.
French Polynesia: In French Polynesia, researchers focus on several key sites selected for their economic or societal importance, including the lagoons of Moorea, Mangareva, and Takapoto. Other sites, such as Raroia, Reao, Apataki, Arutua, Takaroa, and Ahe, will also be studied.
Wallis and Futuna: Although studied in less detail, Wallis and Futuna are included in the project due to the growing importance of MHWs and the risk of ciguatera poisoning, a foodborne illness caused by consuming fish contaminated with toxins produced during these extreme events.
