Turtle Power: How One Actor's Vision Transformed a Pacific Atoll Marlon Brando's decision to protect Tetiaroa Atoll from commercial development has yielded an astonishing result: thousands of green sea turtle hatchlings emerge each year on its pristine beaches.
The actor first laid eyes on the atoll in 1960 while searching for filming locations, and he was captivated by its turquoise lagoon and 12 small islets.
Instead of building a commercial resort, Brando chose to preserve the area's natural beauty and create a haven for scientists and conservationists.