Tetiaroa Atoll Restoration Program

The Tetiarao Atoll Restoration Program is an innovative conservation research program that is focusing on the land/ocean interface to protect coral reefs by restoring the terrestrial habitat of an atoll. Seabirds are the key to this system because they transport nutrients from the ocean to the island and deposit them as guano. These nutrients, while essential to the terrestrial and marine ecosystems of the island have been in short supply in modern times since the seabird populations have dwindled due to invasive species. We are removing all invasive species from the island including rats, ants, and coconut trees (planted as a plantation). Since removal of rats and ants we have already seen over 100% increase in nesting for one seabird species and another species arrive and nest for the first time in recorded history. A detailed monitoring plan is recording the recovery of the island biota from the island to the barrier reef. The aim with this program is to provide a model for other atolls to use to promote healthy islands and reefs as the climate changes.