What Te mana o te moana does

Te mana o te moana is a French Polynesian nonprofit association founded on 23 September 2004 in Tahiti by Dr. Cécile Gaspar, a veterinarian, and Richard Bailey, who is also President-Founder of Tetiaroa Society. The organization is the only authorized marine turtle care center in French Polynesia, operating under approval from the Direction de l'Environnement Polynésie Française (DIREN) and recognition of general interest by government decree. It combines three interlocking activities: (i) rescue, veterinary rehabilitation and release of injured and stranded sea turtles, primarily green and hawksbill species; (ii) long-term scientific research including a satellite tracking program running since 2007 (approximately 40 tags deployed) and an acoustic tagging program launched in 2024 (11 immature green turtles tagged in the Tetiaroa lagoon), plus a photo-identification network (Réseau Tia'i honu) and nesting site monitoring; and (iii) environmental education delivered through school programs, an online ITE platform for children aged 8+, downloadable teaching resources, and on-site guided visits at the rehabilitation center.

The underlying technology base is conventional conservation telemetry — Argos-style satellite tags and acoustic receivers — combined with photo-identification and field ecology methods, rather than any AI/software product. Operations were relocated in June 2023 to the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa in Faa'a, where the rehabilitation center, Fare pote visitor center and tour admissions are co-located. The association runs multiple conservation programs beyond turtle care, including Impacs, Fa'atura te tahatai (coastal restoration with IUCN French Committee), Reset (invasive species management with OFB), and Honu Iti, supported by more than 30 institutional and corporate partners.

The funding model is characteristic of a recognized general-interest association under French law of 1901: a mix of one-time and recurring donations (in XPF, USD and EUR), ticket revenue from two guided tour SKUs (VISITE TE MANA at 2,500 XPF and VISITE TE ARA HONU at 3,900 XPF for adults), merchandise sales, corporate sponsorships (hospitality, luxury, aviation, apparel), institutional grants including nearly 20 million FCFP in cumulative State support, and a US 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsorship channel via Tetiaroa Society. With eight employees and twenty years of activity having produced outcomes of 650+ turtles rehabilitated and 142,000+ children educated, the organization is a small, founder-led nonprofit whose scale is constrained less by demand for its mission and more by the limited pool of operating capital, specialist talent and physical rehabilitation capacity in French Polynesia.

Name

Te mana o te moana

Legal name

Te mana o te moana

Website

https://temanaotemoana.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Te mana o te moana is a French Polynesian nonprofit founded in 2004 that operates the territory's only authorized sea turtle rehabilitation center, combining veterinary care, scientific tracking (satellite and acoustic tagging) and marine education for tourists, schoolchildren and corporate partners in Tahiti and the Society Islands.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Conservation Services

akta.pro primary industry

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation & Release (BPAGAIAC), Marine Conservation & Citizen-Science Experiences (reef monitoring, turtle walks) (THAAAIAH)

Keywords

• Sea turtle rehabilitation
• Marine conservation research
• Environmental education programs
• Wildlife care services
• Ocean ecosystem protection

Headquarters

HQ city

Moorea

HQ country

French Polynesia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Visitor Admissions: Revenue from guided tours at the sea turtle rehabilitation center in Tahiti. Two tour options available: VISITE TE MANA (1-hour visit) and VISITE TE ARA HONU (1.5-hour immersive visit).
2. Donations and Memberships: One-time and monthly donations accepted in XPF, USD, and EUR currencies. Donations above 1,500 XPF automatically confer one-year supporting membership. Monthly donation options range from 2,000 XPF to 100,000 XPF per month for 12 months.
3. Product Sales: Online shop selling merchandise including t-shirts, stickers, and educational board games related to sea turtle conservation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Te mana o te moana operates an authorized marine turtle rehabilitation center in Tahiti that rescues, treats, and releases injured sea turtles, while running scientific research programs (satellite and acoustic tracking, photo-identification) and delivering environmental education through guided visits, a digital learning platform, and in-school programs across French Polynesia. The organization is funded through visitor admissions, donations, corporate partnerships, government grants, and an online merchandise shop.

Product overview

Te mana o te moana operates as a marine conservation NGO with a portfolio of interconnected products and services centered on sea turtle protection in French Polynesia. The core offerings include a sea turtle rehabilitation center providing veterinary care and release services, complemented by guided visitor experiences (VISITE TE MANA and VISITE TE ARA HONU) for public engagement. The association developed the ITE online educational platform for marine education targeting children, along with an extensive library of downloadable educational resources covering sea turtles, marine biodiversity, and conservation topics. Scientific monitoring is supported through Satellite Tracking and Acoustic Tagging programs, while donation products enable public financial support. The organization also runs specialized conservation programs including Impacs, Fa'atura te tahatai, Reset, and Honu Iti focused on ecosystem restoration and species protection.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• VISITE TE MANA - 1-Hour Guided Tour One-hour guided tour of the sea turtle rehabilitation center in Tahiti, open to all ages, enabling visitors to meet resident turtles and learn about marine conservation. Pricing: adults (12+) 2,500 XPF, children (4-12) 1,000 XPF, under 4 free. Online payment only with full refund up to 24 hours before the visit.
• VISITE TE ARA HONU - 1.5-Hour Immersive Tour Extended 1.5-hour immersive guided tour (French only) of Te mana o te moana's facilities and conservation work, offering a deeper dive into the association's mission. Pricing: adults (12+) 3,900 XPF, children (4-12) 1,900 XPF, under 4 free. Online payment only.
• ITE Online Educational Platform Interactive online platform for marine education targeting children aged 8+, teachers, and enthusiasts, providing educational worksheets, games, and resources about Polynesian marine species with an initial module on sea turtles.
• Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center Services Authorized veterinary care, rehabilitation, and release services for injured and sick sea turtles in French Polynesia, operated at the center located within the InterContinental TAHITI Resort & Spa in Faa'a. The center has cared for over 650 turtles in 20 years.
• School Marine Environmental Education Programs Educational marine areas, in-school workshops, and teacher resources delivered in schools across French Polynesia, reaching 142,000+ children with content on sea turtles, marine biodiversity, and conservation. Supported by the Ministry of Education.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 650 sea turtles cared for and rehabilitated over 20 years
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• InterContinental Tahiti Resort & SpacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2023Host venue for the sea turtle rehabilitation center since June 2023. Located in Faa'a, Tahiti. The partnership provides facility space for the center's operations and visitor tours.
• Tetiaroa SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term strategic partner for sea turtle conservation at Tetiaroa atoll. Collaborates on scientific research, turtle rehabilitation, and release programs. Richard Bailey serves as President-Founder of both organizations. The association has cared for 650+ turtles over 20 years through this partnership.
• Direction de l'Environnement (DIREN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner providing authorization and collaboration for sea turtle rehabilitation, satellite tracking, and acoustic tagging programs. Authorized the marine turtle care center under territorial environmental regulations.
• French Biodiversity Office (OFB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner for the RESET Project (REStoration of Coastal Ecosystems in Tahiti) focused on combating invasive species Trachemys scripta and restoring natural ecosystems.
• Pacific BeachcombermajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner supporting marine conservation and sustainable tourism initiatives. Part of the network of sponsors contributing to the association's operations and turtle care programs.
• The BrandomajorGTM or Marketing PartnerLuxury resort partner providing support for the satellite tracking program. Recently contributed to renewed momentum in the turtle monitoring initiatives.
• Air TahitimajorGTM or Marketing PartnerAir transport partner that arranged emergency transfers of injured sea turtles to the rehabilitation center, such as for Iona rescued at Reao atoll.
• Air Tahiti NuimajorGTM or Marketing PartnerInternational airline partner supporting conservation efforts and turtle rescue operations through transportation and promotional support.
• VilebrequinmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner contributing to sea turtle conservation through sponsorship and brand visibility support for the organization.
• Aquarium La RochellemajorGTM or Marketing PartnerFrench aquarium partner providing recent support for the satellite tracking program, contributing to research equipment and monitoring capabilities.
• Tauati FerryminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFerry service partner facilitating transportation between Tahiti and Moorea for team members and injured turtles during rescue operations, with free passage provided.
• IUCN French CommitteecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation partner for the Fa'atura te tahatai coastal restoration project in the Society Islands, focusing on restoration of native coastal vegetation and turtle nesting sites.
• Jean-François Clervoy & Franck LehotminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndividual patrons and supporters who contribute to the association's mission through advocacy and celebrity endorsement.
• Tahiti Surf FederationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSports federation partner that collaborated on turtle release events and environmental awareness activities, symbolizing connection between sport, nature, and education.
• Ocean Guardians NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork partner supporting turtle rescue operations such as the transfer of Iona from Reao atoll to the rehabilitation center.
• Tetiaroa SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term strategic partner for conservation at Tetiaroa atoll, collaborating on turtle releases and research programs including the Fa'atura te tahatai coastal restoration project.
• Research Delegation of French PolynesiamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment research body providing scientific, technical, and logistical support for the Fa'atura te tahatai coastal restoration project.
• Te Fare Natura (Eco-museum)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal cultural institution providing scientific and technical support for environmental restoration and conservation education programs.
• FAPE-Te Ora NahominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural and educational partner contributing to the Fa'atura te tahatai coastal restoration project in the Society Islands.
• Tahitian Historical SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeritage organization providing cultural and historical expertise for conservation projects in French Polynesia.
• HineravaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner supporting the association's conservation and education initiatives through sponsorship.
• IFBD (Polynésie)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerTravel and tourism partner contributing to the network of corporate supporters for marine conservation.
• Polynésie VoyagesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTravel agency partner supporting tourism-related activities and referrals to the association's visitor programs.
• Hello Scoot'minorGTM or Marketing PartnerScooter rental partner in French Polynesia supporting conservation awareness and turtle protection initiatives.
• Visa 1er SecoursminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEmergency services partner providing support for first aid and emergency response capabilities.
• Suites ManaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAccommodation partner supporting conservation efforts through sponsorship.
• Le poids du vivantminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEnvironmental organization partner contributing to the network of supporters for marine conservation.
• TeoraminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner organization supporting conservation and environmental education initiatives.
• My Turquoise ProminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTourism and marine services partner supporting conservation efforts.
• Clermont Tonnerre AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal association that rescued Iona the turtle from a fishing net at Reao atoll and coordinated transfer to the rehabilitation center.
• Tetiaroa SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term strategic partner collaborating on turtle releases and research programs, including hosting events for UNOC3 and supporting the Fa'atura te tahatai coastal restoration project.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Sea Turtle Conservancy: Oldest sea turtle conservation organization in the world (formerly Caribbean Conservation Corporation), running long-term nesting beach research and international education programs. Comparable in scientific output and donor-funded global education mission.
• Pacific Marine Mammal Center: Laguna Beach-based nonprofit marine wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and education center with a small team and donor-funded operating model. Highly comparable in size (~8–15 staff range), rehab mission, tour-based revenue, and reliance on local community partnerships.
• Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB): Nonprofit dedicated to the protection of sea turtles in Bonaire through research, monitoring, and education. Comparable mix of long-term tagging/monitoring datasets, citizen science, and school-based awareness programs in a small-island territory.
• Sea Turtle, Inc. Sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and release organization on South Padre Island, Texas, operating a public-facing visitor center and education programs. Directly comparable to Te mana o te moana in combining rehab, public engagement, and merchandise for a single iconic species.
• Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center: Nonprofit sea turtle hospital on Topsail Island, NC, rehabilitating injured sea turtles and offering public tours and educational programming. Closely comparable model: authorized rehab facility, donor-funded, with ticketed visitor experiences and school outreach.

Emerging players

• WIDECAST (Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Network): Regional sea turtle network coordinating conservation across Caribbean nations. Overlaps with Te mana o te moana on tagging protocols, capacity building, and government-authorized program design, but at a regional rather than site-specific level.

Broad incumbents

• Ocean Conservancy: US-based marine conservation nonprofit active in international ocean policy and on-the-ground restoration. Comparable on UN Ocean Conference presence, policy advocacy, and donor scale — useful benchmark for international visibility and funding partnerships.
• The Nature Conservancy (French Polynesia / Pacific): Global conservation NGO with active Pacific island programs including French Polynesia. Overlaps with Te mana o te moana on marine habitat protection, ecosystem restoration (Fa'atura te tahatai), and grant-eligibility but operates at vastly larger scale.
• Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: Established marine research institution with sea turtle and coral programs plus public aquarium and education revenue. A larger established operator in the same rehab-research-education triad, useful as an upper-bound benchmark.

Regional players

• Australian Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Centre: Sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation facility in Australia, combining veterinary care, research, and visitor engagement. Comparable rehab-plus-education operating model in a different ocean basin; useful for operational benchmarks rather than direct competition.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/temanaotemoana
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/te-mana-o-te-moana

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Te mana o te moana