Two Main Research Axes

Axis 1 – Assessment of nitrogen pollution in anthropogenically impacted coastal ecosystems using seaweeds as bioindicators
This research focuses on using seaweeds to assess nitrogen pollution in coastal environments affected by human activity, particularly in the context of seaweed beachings. It involves measuring δ¹⁵N isotopic signatures in macroalgae to trace nitrogen sources and monitor nutrient-driven changes within algal communities. The approach combines in situ field studies with controlled laboratory experiments to better understand seaweed responses to nitrogen enrichment.

Axis 2 – Algal biomass production of economically important species: development of sea farming and algal biotechnologies
This axis involves developing protocols for the production of algal biomass, either by exploiting full life cycles or through vegetative methods such as protoplast and explant cultures. The aim is to support sustainable sea farming and advance marine algal biotechnology.

Keywords: seaweeds, bioindication, nitrogen pollution, δ¹⁵N isotopic signature, coastal water quality, algal communities, mariculture, algal biotechnologies

Recent Research Programs (Selected)

• ANR SAVE-C (2019–2023) – Study of holopelagic Sargassum responsible for massive beachings: Valorization & Ecology on Caribbean Coasts – V. Stiger-Pouvreau, IUEM, Brest

• INTERREG RaNTrans (2018–2023) – Rapid Nutrient Reduction in Transitional Waters – G. Watson, University of Portsmouth

• INTERREG VA MARINEFF (2018–2023) – Marine Infrastructures Effects – M. Boutouil, BUILDERS

• RIN ECUME (2018–2021) – Integrated Multi-Scale Study of Coastal Ecosystems (Normandy Region) – P. Claquin & P. Favrel, MERSEA

• VARECH (2018–2021) – Valorization of Beached Seaweeds (Normandy Region) – A.-M. Rusig & I. Mussio, MERSEA

• SAUM’ALG (2018–2019) – Prospective Study for the Design of an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture System (salmon-seaweed co-culture) in the Cherbourg Roads (Normandy Region) – A.-M. Rusig & I. Mussio, MERSEA

• Study of the Dynamics of Heterospecific Seaweed Beachings on the Normandy Coast (2017–2019) – (Seine-Normandy Water Agency, Normandy Region) – A.-M. Rusig & I. Mussio, MERSEA

• Seaweed Farming on Offshore Longlines (2017–2018) – (Normandy Region) – A.-M. Rusig & I. Mussio, MERSEA

• Development of Brown Algae Cultivation on Longlines in Lower Normandy (2015–2017) – (Normandy Region) – A.-M. Rusig & I. Mussio, MERSEA

• Bioindicators of the Marine Environment: Using Seaweeds to Monitor Coastal Water Quality – Response to the Issue of Seaweed Beachings (2011–2015) – (Seine-Normandy Water Agency, Departmental Council of Calvados, DREAL Normandy) – A.-M. Rusig & I. Mussio, MERSEA