French Polynesia puts 30% of its waters under protection, a big win for sharks, turtles, and more

French Polynesia is expanding marine protections, putting 30% of its territorial waters under safeguard plans, a major step for ocean biodiversity. Mongabay reports the initiative moves the territory closer to the global “30 by 30” target. The protected waters include key Pacific ecosystems that host species such as sharks and turtles, with the goal of supporting a broader network of no-catch and managed zones. The protections are intended to help marine life recover by reducing overfishing and habitat damage, while also strengthening fisheries and coastal communities dependent on healthy oceans. Local leaders and residents helped shape an arrangement that allows artisanal fishing while restricting industrial fishing. President Moetai Brotherson described the effort as a mission to encourage other countries, particularly larger ones.