In this episode of Ocean Explained, we meet Cécile Gaspar, a veterinary surgeon, marine ecologist, and founder of Te Mana o te Moana, one of French Polynesia’s leading marine conservation organizations. From the Turtle Clinic on Tetiaroa to high-stakes sea turtle rescues, Cécile shares what it takes to treat, rehabilitate, and release injured marine turtles back into the wild.

Attend the daily reality of emergency veterinary care in the Pacific, the emotional weight of saving endangered animals, and the science behind long-term green turtle monitoring, including more than 8,000 nesting traces recorded since 2007. This conversation also dives into the story of Te Mana o te Moana, its mission to protect marine life, and its education programs that have reached more than 140,000 schoolchildren.

Cécile reflects on her path from veterinary medicine to marine ecology, the early days of conservation in French Polynesia, her work with Tetiaroa Society and the World Ocean Network, and the deeper meaning behind “Te Mana o te Moana,” the spirit of the ocean.

We also discuss of course sea turtles but also coconut crabs, climate change, marine research, life on Tetiaroa, and Cécile’s unforgettable encounter with Moon-landing astronauts visiting French Polynesia.https://www.temanaotemoana.org/

https://www.tetiaroasociety.org/fr