On the occasion of World Ocean Day on June 8, the Paul Ricard Oceanographic Institute is showing a special program for its 60 years of commitment to the protection of the marine environment.
Founded in 1966 on the island of Embiez, the Paul Ricard Oceanographic Institute continues its actions in the face of climate and environmental challenges. The keys to its development: protect and highlight solutions. « We must put science at the service of knowledge for the decarbonization of society, » recalls Patricia Ricard, president of the Institute.
After playing the role of « consciousness builder« , the institute now claims to promote a « generation of solutions ». He credits him with various advances, such as the return of certain emblematic species to the now protected spaces. Like grouper, near Port-Cros, whose population has increased by 80 since the 1990s, thanks to the limitation of spearfishing and better management of the body of water.
A protected species, the large mother-of-foel is also among the major concerns. This large oyster-like shellfish is classified as critically endangered. It suffers the cumulative effects of a parasitic disease, the concreting of the coast and growing underwater heat waves. The institute is considering conservation and reintroduction programs from populations identified in the Mediterranean.
Progress is also being made in sustainable aquaculture. They particularly concern the feeding of farmed fish, which turn to plants, insects or microalgae. « Solutions exist, but we must find them together, » insists Patricia Ricard, president of the institute, defending the « magic square » model, associating scientists, communities, companies and actors in the field.
From its platform, the Institute is experimenting with nutritional diversifications for aquaculture fish. © Sebastian Xaxa
An anniversary year bathed in events
The Paul Ricard Institute is planning a series of events around the environment for the summer season. Starting with June 8th with Ocean Day. Sailors, scientists and collaborators of the institute will collect land and underwater waste on the island of Embiez.
The next day, the organization will host the sixth regional day of the InterLIFE network. State representatives, representatives from the South Region and several local environmental organizations will discuss marine biodiversity.
On June 11, the former Oceanorama museum will reopen in its new form: a cabinet of curiosities in which seven free workshops will be held for children and parents. The free event will probably require an online booking.
© IOPR
This awareness of the young public will continue with the new edition of a treasure hunt on the island of Embiez scheduled for early July. Just before, at the end of June, the inauguration of a new educational path designed by theater set designer Julien Peissel will be held.
The programming will end with a signing session of the book Quand l’Océan s’éveille by Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, followed by the screening of a film by Alexis Rosenfield.
« The beautiful opens the eyes, » insists Patricia Ricard. The president of the institute recalls that after sixty years of existence, he will continue his scientific and consciousness awakening mission.
source : made in marseille
