A private Pacific atoll once owned by Hollywood actor Marlon Brando has become one of French Polynesia’s most important marine conservation sites, with thousands of sea turtle hatchlings recorded after decades of habitat protection. Biologists monitoring Tetiaroa Atoll recorded more than 15,614 green sea turtle hatchlings emerging from nests during one recent monitoring season, according to figures published by conservation group Tetiaroa Society and research partner Te mana o te moana.

A private Pacific atoll once owned by Hollywood actor Marlon Brando has become one of French Polynesia’s most important marine conservation sites, with thousands of sea turtle…

Marlon Brando bought a Polynesian atoll named Tetiaroa after discovering it while filming Mutiny on the Bounty. More than five decades later, its protected beaches support major…