June 4, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. : Diving mission as part of operation SARG ALIEN, in Courseulles-sur-Mer. Scientific work on sargassum beds and other algal species. Underwater observations, measurements, sampling, light handling, photo and video documentation. Operations are carried out when weather conditions are favorable, depending on the tides. Staff : Richard FARIZON, Léo CHASSELIN et Jérémy BENHAMOU.
Two upcoming missions are planned for whelk monitoring / Whelk sampling at Blainville-sur-Mer:
With Kristell KELLNER, Clothilde BERTHELIN, and Dorothée FAUGERES.
The whelk facing climate and economic challenges
The whelk is the second most commercially valuable species in Normandy. However, catches have fallen by 30% over the past five years, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the profession.
The CCLIMB’UP project aims to better understand the impact of climate change and to ensure sustainable resource management through four research areas:
Climate impact: Study of the effects of temperature variations and heatwaves on whelk biology (growth, reproduction, mortality).
Stock monitoring: Implementation of data collection tools and analysis of the impacts of increasing the minimum landing size.
Socio-economic situation: Assessment of the profitability and vulnerability of fishing businesses, and consultation with stakeholders in the sector.
Communication: Sharing results with professionals, scientists, and the general public through various media (videos, articles, publications).
This first sampling day will also provide an opportunity to hold a meeting and discuss.
(A side note: a meeting on the HERMETIA programme will take place in Paris on Wednesday, June 10, as well as a CORRODYS meeting in Cherbourg later that week.)
And let’s not forget the cuttlefish fishing survey next Friday, June 12, once again in Courseulles!