Involvement of the Institute oceanographic Paul Ricard in the development of sustainable aquaculture

Based on the island of Embiez, the Paul Ricard Oceanographic Institute (IOPR) has been combining research and awareness, science and sharing for almost 60 years. The acquisition of knowledge about the marine environment is here strongly associated with transmission to the public, schools, professionals, institutions and scientists. Its research activities are versatile and linked to major climate issues and sustainability sciences. In this context, the IOPR acquired in 2021 an innovative 600 m² aquaculture platform dedicated to applied research in sustainable aquaculture.

The presentation will aim to introduce this new tool and the results of the first programs hosted.

NAIADE program

In a context where demand for fish products on a global scale continues to increase, landings have nevertheless stagnated since the mid-1980s, despite an increase in fishing effort. To meet this demand, the development of aquaculture has been the driving force behind the increase in productivity in the sector. Aquaculture production, relating to the breeding of fish and shellfish, is closely dependent on mill fishing.

Based on this observation, the IOPR is developing a fish feed based on insect flour. This initiative brings together all the players in the region (Metropolis, Region, professionals and research institutes) with the aim of developing a food with sustainable and local components to offer the consumer responsible food. This project was rewarded with the Stars of Europe prize in the Southern Region in 2023.

Aquabios (Interreg Marritimo)

In the context of the production of juvenile marine fish supplying the grow-out sector, certain factors such as food limit the sustainability of hatcheries. Artemia (Artemia sp.) are widely used as live prey in marine hatcheries. Some copepods could be good candidates for rearing marine fish larvae through a complete nutrient supply while providing a local alternative to live prey used on large scales. In this context, new protocols and systems for producing plankton and marine organisms are being developed at the institute.

Shrimp Program

The disposal of by-products resulting from the fishing landing obligation or filleting units is synonymous with significant expenses for the Auctions. In this context, the use and direct valorization of by-products was proposed via a breeding demonstrator of a scavenging species. In this respect, shrimp seem to show strong potential. The institute is therefore carrying out a first feeding experiment based on co-products on Japanese shrimp (Paenus japonicus).

Ar Jeeguen : Designing a sustainable aquaponics model

The emergence of new forms of aquaculture is a necessity. Our resources are limited. Our ability to innovate, and in particular to create or recreate virtuous and sustainable food chains, is a key element in our ecological transformation. This is the essence of the project supported by the Veolia Foundation and carried out by the Agence Nationale d'Aquaculture (ANA) in Senegal and IOPR.