Tenararo, Maritime boundary in Gambier, French Polynesia
Tenararo is a small island in the southeastern Tuamotu Islands with a circular lagoon surrounded by coral reef. The island sits in an area where the lagoon and ocean create distinct zones that define its geography.
The island was first documented in 1606 when Portuguese navigator Pedro Fernández de Quirós sighted it during a Spanish expedition. This early recording marked the beginning of its entry into European records.
The territorial waters around Tenararo form part of French Polynesia's maritime jurisdiction, reflecting the region's complex governance structure within the Pacific Ocean.
A landing area sits in the northwestern section among boulders along the reef. Visitors should be aware that there is no direct water entrance from the ocean into the lagoon, so access requires careful planning.
The waters around the island provide shelter for endangered bird species including the Polynesian ground dove and Tuamotu sandpiper. These rare birds find protection in their natural habitat within this remote location.
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