• 'Like a work of art': rare stretch of pristine coral reef discovered off Tahiti
• Giant pristine coral reef discovered off Tahiti
• Rare, pristine coral reef found off Tahiti coast

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'Like a work of art': rare stretch of pristine coral reef discovered off Tahiti
24 January 2022 - A huge coral reef has been discovered off the coast of Tahiti in the Pacific Ocean's 'twilight zone', offering hope that more pristine ecosystems are waiting to be discovered at unexplored depths. Stretching along the ocean floor for nearly 2 miles, the reef, covered in rose-shaped corals, is one of the largest such discoveries at depths of more than 30 metres, where sunlight levels are much lower. (more)

Giant pristine coral reef discovered off Tahiti
22 January 2022 - Marine explorers have discovered a 'pristine' 3km (2-mile) coral reef at depths of 30m (100ft) off the coast of Tahiti, French Polynesia. It is one of the largest discovered at that depth, says the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization [UNESCO], which led the mission. The reef was found in November, during a diving expedition to a depth known as the ocean's 'twilight zone' -- part of a global seabed-mapping mission called the Seabed2030 Project. (more)

Rare, pristine coral reef found off Tahiti coast
21 January 2022 - Deep in the South Pacific, scientists have explored a rare stretch of pristine corals shaped like roses off the coast of Tahiti. The reef is thought to be one of the largest found at such depths and seems untouched by climate change or human activities. ... The newfound reef, stretching 2 miles (3 kilometers), was studied late last year during a dive expedition supported by UNESCO. (more)

Scientists made an incredible discovery in the ocean's 'twilight zone' off Tahiti
21 January 2022 - Deep in the ocean off the coast of Tahiti, scientists made an incredible discovery in November: acres of giant, pristine, rose-shaped corals blossoming from the sea floor in what's known as the ocean's 'twilight zone.' That a coral reef so large and so beautiful had yet to be discovered emphasizes how little we still know about the world's oceans, scientists say. And its impeccable condition -- with no evidence that the reef has yet been harmed by the climate crisis -- suggests the need for urgent action to protect the ocean's remaining healthy reefs. (more)

French Polynesia: New Tahitian beetles discovered
24 August 2013 - A group of entomologists has found more than 40 new species of beetles on the steep slopes of the Tahitian mountains. The team hiked into areas only accessible from helicopter drop-off points, and never before visited by scientists. Tahiti is home to some of the most diverse insect populations in the world. (more)