It gave birth to all life on Earth — the very foundation of our existence. With all its seas, the ocean is a vital heritage. And yet, it’s in grave danger. Pollution, overfishing, climate change — no sea is spared. Least of all the Mediterranean, which scientists say is the most polluted sea in the world.
Adrien Gavazzi travels to Corsica to meet the ocean’s defenders
It’s in Corsica that Adrien Gavazzi sets out, a place where this paradox is deeply felt: an idyllic setting marred by plastic-choked beaches, overheated waters, and the strain of mass tourism.
At a time when the world turns its attention to the ocean’s future in Nice, Gavazzi shines a spotlight on those who, in Corsica and around the globe, are determined to save it — no matter the cost.
They are scientists, researchers, fishers, and everyday citizens, all united by a deep love for the sea.
Bonifacio: Where beauty meets fragility
Bonifacio, home to 3,200 residents year-round, welcomes up to 25,000 visitors a day in summer. While tourism supports the local economy, it poses a serious threat to biodiversity. Just 30 minutes offshore lie the Lavezzi Islands, jewels of southern Corsica and heart of the Bonifacio Strait Nature Reserve.
Jean-Michel Culioli, the reserve’s dedicated caretaker, guards the area with tireless devotion. Gavazzi joins him on a patrol to inspect boats anchored nearby. Culioli’s biggest concern? Anchors tearing up Posidonia meadows — underwater seagrass that stores more carbon than the Amazon rainforest.
“Every time, it’s a disaster on a human scale. Posidonia grows just one centimeter per year. Do the math — a lifetime isn’t enough to witness its recovery.”
A thriving underwater vault
Not far off, Marie-Catherine Santoni of the Corsican Environment Agency delights in each dive. Her mission? To monitor fish populations within the fully protected Lavezzi reserve — a no-go zone for diving and spearfishing. What she shows Gavazzi is like opening a natural treasure vault, growing richer with time.
But her most important work might be happening onshore: collaborating with local fishers to establish fishing zones and educate on sustainable practices.
“We catch around 650 tons of fish annually around Corsica — the same amount factory ships haul in a single day in the North Sea. That really makes you think. And yet, we do love our fish here!”
Fighting pollution, one beach at a time
Back on land, Gavazzi meets Sylvie, a Corsican by choice and founder of Corsica Clean Nature, launched five years ago on a whim. Her first cleanup? A beach near Ajaccio, a social media call, and suddenly 80 volunteers were tackling an often invisible pollution problem: plastic, cigarette butts, metal, glass…
“Some of this stuff takes up to 800 years to break down — a heavy legacy many people aren’t even aware of.”
There’s a moment of despair — but then Sylvie smiles, ready to return to the fight.
