On today's episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, we delve into the concerns surrounding the surfing event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. While the Olympics are set to take place in Paris, the surfing competition will be held in Tahiti's Teahupo’o Bay, a renowned location for its waves and subsistence fishing. However, there is a contentious issue regarding the construction of an aluminum tower for the event. Local Tahitians are worried about the potential damage to coral reefs and fish populations. A protest has been organized, and we will discuss the details in this episode. Stay tuned! Link to article: https://news.mongabay.com/2023/12/reef-damage-from-2024-olympics-surfing-venue-is-avoidable-commentary/ Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training/ Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program.   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc  The surfing event for the Paris 2024 Olympics is set to take place in Tahiti at Teahupo’o Bay, a renowned location known for its legendary waves, making it an ideal spot for surfers. Teahupo’o Bay is also recognized for its subsistence fishing, where local fishermen catch fish for their own consumption and sometimes sell them at local markets. The selection of Teahupo’o Bay for the surfing event highlights the area's natural beauty and significance. The bay's coral reef plays a crucial role in creating the waves that attract surfers, while also providing a habitat for various fish species. The local fishing communities depend on these fish for sustenance and their livelihoods. However, concerns have been raised about the potential negative impacts of the Olympics on Teahupo’o Bay. The construction of an aluminum tower for the event has raised worries among locals about the damage it may cause to the corals and fish populations. The tower will be placed within the shallow coral reef, requiring the installation of concrete bases and potentially displacing parts of the reef. The protest against the tower's construction is driven by the desire to protect the environment and ensure the long-term sustainability of Teahupo’o Bay. Local surfers, fishermen, and community members have taken to social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to raise awareness about the issue. They have also launched an online petition, which has garnered over 195,000 signatures. Acknowledging the concerns raised by the local community, the Olympic Committee has made some changes to the construction plans. The proposed tower will now be smaller and lighter, reducing its potential impact on the reef. Additionally, the existing wooden tower, which has been deemed safe, will be utilized instead of building a new structure. Despite these modifications, doubts still remain about the potential damage caused by the construction process. Videos have surfaced showing a barge getting stuck on the coral reef during an inspection, raising questions about the effectiveness of the proposed measures to minimize harm. The controversy surrounding the surfing event in Teahupo’o Bay highlights the tensions between hosting large-scale events like the Olympics and preserving the natural environment. The concerns of the local community regarding the long-term impacts on the reef and fish populations are valid, and their efforts to raise awareness and push for changes should be supported. It remains to be seen how the Olympic Committee will address these concerns and ensure the sustainability of the event. The locals in Tahiti are deeply concerned about the construction of an aluminum tower for the surfing event during the Paris 2024 Olympics. They fear that the construction and placement of the tower within the shallow coral reef of Teahupo’o Bay will cause damage to the corals and fish populations in the area. The tower will require con