Research on marine macroalgae, at three levels of study: coastal ecosystem, communities and organisms. Scientific contributions for understanding the functioning of coastal ecosystems and the responses of macroalgae to anthropogenic pressures as well as on biology and ecophysiology with a view to supporting seaweed farming in Normandy.

Research axes:

• Macroalgal dynamics: Use of seaweeds as bioindicators of coastal water quality.

In the context of massive seaweed beachings in Normandy, our research aims to develop an environmental monitoring component based on the use of macroalgae as bioindicators of marine environmental quality. In particular, the analysis of isotopic signatures (δ¹⁵N) allows us to identify the origin of nitrogen inputs (urban or agricultural) and to map sensitive coastal areas. This work contributes to understanding the formation of summer accumulations and aims to lay the foundations for a biomonitoring system for coastal water quality in Normandy. Furthermore, the combined effects of climate change and eutrophication appear to promote the proliferation of Sargassum muticum, an invasive macroalga native to Japan. Its increasing presence along the Côte de Nacre raises significant concerns for both marine biodiversity and human activities such as tourism, fishing, and aquaculture. Studies are being conducted to assess the dynamics of its invasion using innovative remote sensing methods and to explore its potential as a bioindicator of eutrophication of coastal waters.

• Marine macroalgae biotechnologies: micropropagation, ecophysiology and seaweed farming

We develop cultivation systems for economically important macroalgae (Phaeophyceae, Rhodophyceae, Ulvophyceae), aiming to produce high-quality biomass while preserving natural resources. The cultivation strategy is based on the knowledge of the morphological and ecophysiological characteristics of each species and on in vitro propagation techniques (utilizing the life cycle, production of protoplasts, neoformations, or somatic embryos). From a seaweed farming valorization perspective, an experimental hatchery has been designed to support the growth, transfer, and deployment of cultivated plantlets at sea, particularly for the production of Saccharina latissima.

Keywords: macroalgae, seaweed, algal biotechnologies, in vitro culture, seaweed farming, ecophysiology, benthic phytocenoses, bioindication, coastal water quality, δ¹⁵N isotopic signature

Research programs:

SARG’ALIEN (2025-2029) Problem of the SARGasse on the coast of the Bay of Seine – (AESN and Calvados department funding) – Evaluation of the dynamics of the Sargassum muticum invasion on the Nacre coast, using innovative remote sensing methods and studying its potential as an indicator of the eutrophication of coastal waters. (Coordinators: AM Rusig & I. Mussio , MERSEA)

OPERANDI (2020-2023) Development of seaweed farms in Normandy as part of the plant protein plan – (Normandy Region Funding) – Technology transfer for the cultivation of local protein-rich algae such as Saccharina latissima. Validation of in vitro and sea culture protocols. Monitoring of experimental seaweed farming operations at sea. (Coordinators: AM Rusig & I. Mussio, BOREA)

SAVE-C (2020–2023) Study of holopelagic Sargassum responsible for massive beachings: Valorization and ecology on Caribbean coasts – (Funding ANR / Sargassum Call 2019) – Study of massive Sargassum beachings along Caribbean coasts (Coordinators: LEMAR/IUEM, Brest). Participation in WP2: Trophic and chemical interactions between organisms and rafts.

MARINEFF (2018–2023) Marine infrastructures effects – (European INTERREG VA France (Channel)/England Program – https://marineff-project.eu/ – Reuse of marine by-products in artificial reefs and monitoring of the environmental impact of an artificial reef. (Coordinator: ESITC Caen/Builders)

RANTRANS (2017-2023) Reduction of Nutrients in Transitional Waters – (European INTERREG VA France (Channel)/England Program) – https://rantransproject.com Reduction of eutrophication and green algae strandings in intertidal mudflats. (Coordinators: University of Portsmouth)

VARECH (2019-2021) Valorization of Stranded Algae – (Funding Normandy Region) – Qualitative and quantitative study of algae stranded on the Normandy coast (municipality of Grandcamp Maisy (Scientific coordinators: AM Rusig & I. Mussio BOREA – Industrial management Algaïa – R&D in Saint Lô)

TAONIA (2019-2020) Cultivation of marine macroalgae in Normandy: source of marine protein – (Funding Normandy Region) – Assessment of the technical feasibility of offshore cultivation of Saccharina latissima (brown edible seaweed). (Coordinators: AM Rusig & I. Mussio, BOREA)

SAUM’AlG(2017-2019) – (Funding Normandy Region) – Prospective study for the design of an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture system with the establishment of a Salmon/Algae co-culture in Cherbourg harbor. (Coordinators: AM Rusig & I. Mussio, BOREA)

Study of the dynamics of heterospecific seaweed strandings on the Normandy coast (2017-2019) – (Seine-Normandy Water Agency -Normandy Region funding) – Study of the dynamics (quantity, type, frequency) of seaweed strandings on the Normandy coast, in order to better understand their origin and seasonal variations – (Coordinators: AM Rusig & I. Mussio, BOREA).

Seaweed Farming in Normandy (2017–2018) Development of protocols adapted to local red algae – (Funding Normandy Region – Initiative and partnership synergy for the development of innovative and sustainable practices responding to the needs of professionals in agriculture and marine resources) (Coordinators: AM Rusig & I. Mussio, BOREA).

Development of local brown seaweed farming on longlines in Normandy (2015–2017)
(Funding Normandy Region – Initiative and partnership synergy for the development of innovative and sustainable practices responding to the needs of professionals in agriculture and marine resources) (Coordinators: AM Rusig & I. Mussio, BOREA).

Marine Bioindicators: Using Macroalgae as a Tool for Assessing the Biological Quality of Coastal Waters. Response to the Problem of Mass Algal Strandings (2011-2015) (Seine-Normandy Water Agency, Calvados Departmental Council, DREAL Normandy Funding) – Coordinators: AM Rusig & I. Mussio, BOREA)