It’s a place that thousands of children from Provence have discovered during school trips. Founded in 1966 on the Île des Embiez, the Paul Ricard Oceanographic Institute is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Invited to speak with Gilles Fenech on Maritima Radio, its president, Patricia Ricard, recounts the history of this scientific vessel, born out of « anger, » and details the immense challenges facing the Mediterranean, from climate change to invasive species.
A birth born from a fight against « red mud »
The history of the Institute is not that of a simple scientific foundation, but rather that of an act of resistance. Patricia Ricard recalls the roots of this commitment: “This Institute was born out of the anger shared by Alain Bombard and my grandfather Paul Ricard regarding the red mud of Cassis. They had lost the legal battle, so out of desperation, to be the guardians of the sea, my grandfather created the observatory.”
Sixty years later, the ambition remains the same: to move from observation to action. « In 60 years, we have gone from a time when we observed pollution to a time when, today, we are focusing on solutions , » the president summarizes.
60 years of pioneering: from aquaculture to ecological restoration
The Institute has been at the forefront of many scientific advances. Among the major victories, Patricia Ricard cites the fight against oil spills thanks to bacteria capable of « nibbling » at hydrocarbons, or the rise of aquaculture: « Today, 50% of the fish we eat comes from aquaculture, and the Institute worked on this subject very early on. »
The president also highlights the crucial work on Posidonia seagrass meadows , the true lungs of the Mediterranean capable of absorbing carbon dioxide, as well as the safeguarding of species once threatened such as the grouper.
The new challenge: « The enemy is the heat. »
While the Mediterranean is « better » than it was 30 years ago regarding certain industrial pollution, it faces a more insidious threat: climate change. « Today, the main enemy is heat. The Mediterranean is becoming a little more tropical , » warns Patricia Ricard.
This rise in temperatures encourages the arrival of invasive species via ships’ ballast water or fouling (organisms attached to hulls). For Patricia Ricard, the urgent priority now is to decarbonize our activities: « We absolutely must fulfill our carbon commitments if we want to save the ocean. »
A summer of celebrations in Embiez and Marseille
To mark this anniversary, the Oceanographic Institute is offering a rich and immersive program:
- June 8 (Ocean Day): waste collection and immersion of artificial coral reefs.
- June 11: inauguration of a cabinet of curiosities and educational workshops using virtual reality. « We are transforming awareness into family activities with fantastic digital tools , » explains the president.
- August 18: Book signing by Olivier Poivre d’Arvor and outdoor film screening.
- September 17: big event at the Pathé La Joliette cinema in Marseille.
Patricia Ricard concluded on a hopeful note: « All is not lost. If we all work together, we can still succeed. »
source : maritima média
