Fangataufa (Fangatafoa) (.) is a small, low, narrow, barrier reef . It is French territory, and along with its neighboring atoll Moruroa has been used for approximately 200 nuclear bomb tests.
There is access to the lagoon through a pass lying 0.5 mile SW of the N point of the atoll; the channel has a width of about 60m and a dredged depth of 6.5m. A 12m long quay, in 2.5m of water, is situated in the NE part of the lagoon; another quay, 50m long in 5m of water, and landing ramps, were constructed in its E part. The access channel is marked, on each side, by two beacons. There is a disused airfield, built to accommodate medium size transport aircraft, on the NE coast of the atoll. It is reported that the pass of Fangataufa is obstructed by a chain boom. This boom can be moved by agreement with the local military authority.
Fangataufa is classified as a Common Military Zone . The zone includes the lagoon areas enclosed by the atoll and by baselines linking the closet points emerging from the reef on both sides of the channel. Entry is prohibited without authorization.
