Bridging Scientific Knowledge to Better Protect the Ocean

Part of the UNOC Mission of the Tara schooner, under the label La Mer en Commun, the event aimed to foster the exchange of experiences and knowledge from projects supported by the FFEM and its partners, particularly in relation to the creation and management of marine protected areas (MPAs) on the high seas.

At a time when the BBNJ Treaty (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) still requires ratification by at least 60 countries to enter into force, the need for enhanced scientific understanding is urgent. Robust data is critical for the delineation, management, and effectiveness of MPAs—key tools in protecting ocean ecosystems.

The day featured several compelling scientific initiatives:

• Alain Barcelo, Head of Biodiversity Knowledge Management at the Port-Cros National Park, presented the Pelagos Sanctuary, the first transboundary marine area in the Mediterranean dedicated to the protection of marine mammals, recently strengthened with the designation of a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA).
• Damien Eveillard, bioinformatics researcher at Nantes University, shared insights from the Plankt’ECO Project led by the Tara Ocean Foundation. He presented a novel methodology combining plankton gene analysis with satellite imagery to identify fixed or shifting zones of ecological interest in the ocean—offering a valuable tool for policy-making and MPA planning on the high seas.
• Julie Patris presented her research with Toulon University and the International Center for Artificial Intelligence in Natural Acoustics, analyzing acoustic signals of dolphins and porpoises along the coasts of Argentina and Chile, using mathematical models and AI tools to classify sound patterns.
• Tim Collins, marine biologist at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), introduced the QWIO Program (Quieter Western Indian Ocean), which focuses on modeling human-generated underwater noise and its impact on cetaceans and marine turtles in the western Indian Ocean.
• Joëlle Richard, from the University of Western Brittany, showcased the SARGADOM Project, which seeks to protect unique areas such as the thermal dome off the coast of Costa Rica and the Sargasso Sea, through the development of innovative governance models.
• Ahmed Senhoury, Director of the Regional Partnership for Coastal and Marine Conservation (PRCM) in West Africa, shared perspectives on the implementation of the BBNJ Treaty by African coastal states and Cape Verde.

These presentations underscored a central truth: science is essential to document ecological challenges and guide the creation of MPAs on the high seas. Still too rare, these protected areas are a critical lever for safeguarding marine biodiversity and combating climate change.

By actively participating in such exchanges and supporting innovative research projects, the FFEM—alongside its partners—reaffirms its commitment to a sustainable ocean, where international cooperation and scientific excellence are the keys to success.