Lagoon hydrodynamics of pearl farming islands: the case of Gambier (French Polynesia)

Abstract

Abstract. Between 2019 and 2020, the Gambier lagoon was instrumented over a period of 9 months with a large array of autonomous oceanographic instruments measuring temperature, pressure and current. Two deployments were conducted, respectively from June 2019 to October 2019 (Leg1) and from late October 2019 to late February 2020 (Leg2). A total of sixteen instrumented locations were spread across the lagoon and on the forereef. Physical parameters were measured to characterize the wave climate, tide and surges, lagoonal circulation, and spatial and vertical temperature variabilities. Those observations were part of the ANR-funded MANA project (2017–2022) and its derivatives that aimed to improve knowledge of processes influencing the spat collection of Pinctada margaritifera oysters that are used for black pearl farming and production. This data set was a prerequisite for the development of a high resolution biophysical model on Gambier lagoon which aims at tackling the connectivity oyster larvae. The sampling strategy focused on the northern region of Gambier lagoon and especially on the sub-lagoon of Rikitea which is a prime spat collection site. The data set was post processed, quality controlled and is archived in a dedicated repository with a permanent DOI into the SEANOE marine data platform.