The south pass of Fakarava Island atoll, Passe Tumakohua, provides for one of the best examples of natural marine habitat facilitated by the exchange of seawater with slightly fresher water from inside a lagoon. It is the freshwater runoff (rain) that carves a path through the coral. (Corals cannot tolerate fresh water.) But beyond the formation curiosity, these passes are where the action is. The tidal currents that form both in and out of the lagoon attract a wide variety of species. Some come to these places to breed. Others, prototypically a variety of shark species, enjoy feeding and the luxury of resting on the bottom while the current effortlessly pumps oxygen through their gills.
While there are many fish species to behold, this place hosts an amazing density of gray reef sharks. Further, these animals are largely oblivious to the presence of divers. So, an up-close view is possible most days. Important to note, the danger from the gray reef sharks and most shark animals is minimal. To the extent there are attacks on humans the incidents are rare, usually caused by the shark confusing a human swimmer/surfer with normal prey during feeding times. Certain sounds including those similar to crushing an empty plastic water bottle can trigger aggressive behavior, too. Still, more people die from eating hots dogs than shark attacks.
Written by: Adam Alpert