Axis 1 – Assessment of nitrogen pollution in anthropogenically impacted coastal ecosystems using marine macroalgae as bioindicators in the context of summer seaweed beachings. Measurement of δ15N isotopic signatures in macroalgae to trace nitrogen sources and monitor nutrient-induced modifications within algal communities, combining in situ field studies and in vitro controlled experiments in order to understand the response of marine macroalgae to nitrogen inputs into the ecosystem.

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