Press contact: Karine BRANEYRE, presse@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 623 14 27 11 – +33 491 11 12 91 Institute contact : embiez@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 494 34 02 49

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PRESS FILE

October 2016

Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard

To know the sea, to make it known and to protect it

In France and in Europe in the 1960s, there was a raising of awareness in matters of

ecology, while the news was full of shocking pictures of industrial pollution incidents such

as the Minamata disaster (Japan), which ten years earlier had resulted in hundreds of

victims being severely affected by discharges of mercury into the sea.

Among the earliest defenders of the environment, Paul Ricard led the campaign against

one of the first cases of industrial pollution in the Mediterranean: the discharge of ‘red

sludge’ off Cassis (near Marseille, S. France).

In 1966, with Dr Alain Bombard, he founded the Observatory of the Sea on the island of

Les Embiez (near Toulon, S.E. France), with the mission of knowing the sea and protecting

it. At that time, it was the only private sector organization in Europe working to protect

the marine environment by associating research with keeping the public informed. Today, under the presidency of Patricia Ricard, the founder’s grand-daughter, the Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard is pursuing this commitment under the banner of

sustainable development, in phase with an environmental management focus that

respects the planet’s natural areas and marine resources.

Press contact: Karine BRANEYRE, presse@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 623 14 27 11 – +33 491 11 12 91 Institute contact : embiez@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 494 34 02 49

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PRESS FILE

Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard

To know the sea, to make it known and to protect it

CONTENTS

1/ Research (p.3)

• A permanent team of scientists (p.3) • The main research themes (p.4)

- inventories - ecological monitoring surveys (p.5) - the preservation of biodiversity, endangered and protected spe-

cies (p.6) - the study and management of marine resources (p.7) - Biotechnologies (P.10)

2/ Outreach - informing the public (p.12)

• An Aquarium and Museum on an eco-model island • Lectures to explain and discuss the issues • Publications and films

3/ Take OFF - Take Ocean For Future (p.12)4

4/ Patricia Ricard, President of the Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard (p.15)

5/ History- some key dates (p.17)

Press photos available on request.

Press contact: Karine BRANEYRE, presse@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 623 14 27 11 – +33 491 11 12 91 Institute contact : embiez@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 494 34 02 49

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1/ Research

The Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard disposes of a Research Centre and

a permanent team of scientific researchers at Les Embiez (near Toulon, S.E.

France). Research is carried out in partnership with public sector organiza-

tions and private companies. The research is in phase with the principles of

sustainable development in the Mediterranean and is focused on inventory

surveys and ecological monitoring; the preservation of biodiversity, endan-

gered and protected species; the study and management of living resources.

A permanent team of scientists Research scientists, research engineers and technicians, supported by interns, car-

ry out research in marine biology: from microbiology to the management of natu-

ral areas.

• Prof. Nardo Vicente, PhD (Sciences), Scientific Counsellor. Emeritus Professor of Biology, Aix-Marseille University, Member of the Marseille Academy of the Sciences, Letters and the Arts

• Dr Jean-Luc Bonnefont, PhD (Cellular Biology), Director of Research.

• Dr Patrick Lelong, PhD (Ocean Sciences), Curator of the Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard Aquarium

• Dr Sylvain Couvray, PhD (Marine Biology), Research Engineer.

• Thomas Miard

Research Engineer • Dr Robert Bunet, PhD (Molecular Biology),

Research Engineer, Post-doctoral fellowship in Genetics and Microbiology • Philippe Aublanc

Manager, Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard Experimental Hatchery • Damien Kirchhofer

Assistant Research Engineer • Daniel Rebillard

Diving Safety and Support Manager

Press contact: Karine BRANEYRE, presse@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 623 14 27 11 – +33 491 11 12 91 Institute contact : embiez@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 494 34 02 49

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The main research themes:

• Inventories - ecological monitoring

Calanque1 de Podestat

The Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard has been entrusted with the project of establishing an inventory of the fauna and flora of the Calanque de Podestat (Calanques National Park), at the request of EDF Group, the owner of the site since 1930. Two main surveys have been carried out each year since 2012, in spring and autumn.

The purpose of this work was to establish the initial state of this calanque and to assess patterns of change in its populations, in relation to: - global Mediterranean climate change; - the quality of the waste effluent from the Marseille sewage treatment plant

outfall located nearby; - the change of protection status for this area with the setting up of the

Calanques National Park.

The first results have shown a fairly satisfactory ecological state in the calanque.

The Edible Sea Urchin: demographic monitoring

In parallel with research focused on perfecting the rearing and repopulation of the edible sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus, the Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard has developed a long-term biannual monitoring survey at eight stations located in the Toulon area (S.E. France), between Six-Fours-les-Plages and Carqueiranne. In 2010, the researchers developed a simple, fast and reproducible protocol based on a series of geo-referenced beacons. This protocol can be used to make a rapid assessment of the density of sea urchins and to carry out counts at several sites within a short space of time. The main aim is to provide evidence on long-term patterns of change in populations. It can also serve to assess the seasonal variation in density since the counts are performed twice a year, at the beginning and at the end of the fishing season.

1 calanque: a long, narrow sea inlet

Press contact: Karine BRANEYRE, presse@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 623 14 27 11 – +33 491 11 12 91 Institute contact : embiez@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 494 34 02 49

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Characterisation of the diversity and the genetic variability of populations at the various stations is also performed. This standard protocol is a useful monitoring tool for the managers of this re-source, similar to those already in use at other sites (Côte Bleu Marine Park, near Marseille, S. France). PARTNERSHIPS Scientific - South Toulon-Var University/ B 2M team, PROTÉE laboratory. Financial - Toulon Provence Méditerranée (TPM: local authority) - Conseil Général du Var (local authority)

Inventories of fishes The IchTO project is focused on drawing up an inventory of the fish fauna of the waters to the west of Toulon (S.E. France). Situated between the Port-Cros National Park and the Calanques National Park, this sector is of key importance for the conservation of the natural patrimony. Apart from providing a wealth of knowledge, the study offers an insight into the richness in fishes of the territory: essential information for the managers of this area and of the fisheries resources. The results will also serve as a reference for monitoring the marine environment in the face of global change: climate warming, alteration of the biodiversity, the appearance of fishes of southern or exotic origin, pollution, etc. The inventory surveys are carried out at seven sites between Cap Sicié and the archipelago of Les Embiez. The fishes are identified, counted and their size estimated by diver - scientists.

PARTNERSHIP

Financial - Toulon Provence Méditerranée (TPM: local authority) - Conseil Général du Var (local authority)

For these two research programmes, the Institut Océanographique Paul Ri-card is beneficiary under the terms of a public authority contract for the

roadstead of Toulon (2013-2018).

Press contact: Karine BRANEYRE, presse@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 623 14 27 11 – +33 491 11 12 91 Institute contact : embiez@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 494 34 02 49

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• Preservation of biodiversity, endangered and protected species

The Grouper

The dusky grouper, Epinephelus marginatus, is an emblematic Mediterranean species. Since 1992, the Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard has supported the work of the Grouper Research Group (GEM: Groupe d’Etude du Mérou) for the protection of this species. A moratorium banning the underwater fishing and line fishing of this species was introduced in 1993 and has been renewed ever since. Since 2013, this ban applies to five species of grouper, and to the brown meagre, Sciaena umbra. www.institut-paul-ricard.org/?Special Legislation Census surveys of the grouper are carried out by scuba divers and snorkel swimmers, both within the Marine Protected Areas (MPA) and at other sites. Overall, a very strong increase in grouper populations has been observed in the Marine Protected Areas (e.g. the number of grouper increased 8.5-fold between 1993 and 2011 in the Port-Cros National Park), while the increase was significant but much less marked outside these areas. This trend is partly due to the protection moratorium, and partly to climate warming which has meant that the reproduction of this fish species is now pos-sible along the north-western coasts of the Mediterranean.

The Fan Mussel

This programme, supported by the bank Caisse d’Épargne Côte d’Azur and di-rected by Professor Vicente, Scientific Counsellor of the Institut Océ-anographique Paul Ricard, is focused on the biology and physiology of one of the world’s largest shellfish.

The induction of spawning, fertilization and embryonic development are studied in large tanks at the Institute's Research Centre at Les Embiez (S.E. France). Captures of larvae are also carried out in order to monitor the recruitment of juveniles in various sea areas.

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Several partners in European Mediterranean areas are associated with the research programme: the Catholic University of Valencia (Dr Jose Rafael Garcia March); the Mediterranean Institute of Marine and Terrestrial Biodiversity and Ecology (Prof. Thierry Tatoni).

Inventories of the fan mussel are carried out at various sites along the western Mediterranean coasts, in collaboration with Italian and Spanish teams: in France, Port-Cros National Park, Scandola Natural Reserve (Corsica), Côte Bleu Marine Park (Carry-le-Rouet, near Marseille), Les Embiez Archipelago (near Toulon); in other countries, the Spanish coasts, Monaco Underwater Reserve, Montenegro, Malta. The fan mussel serves as a real sentinel for the Mediterranean littoral, since its size and its life span make it a living record of patterns of change in the physical and chemical parameters of the marine environment. It is an indicator of the quality of the Mediterranean littoral in a similar way to the Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadow, which is its preferred environment. PARTNERSHIP

Financial Caisse d’Épargne Côte d’Azur (bank)

• Study and management of marine resources

The Edible Sea Urchin: feasibility of experimental repopulation

Prized for its gastronomic value, the edible sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus is a species that is much sought after along the whole of the French Mediterranean coast. Despite the conservation legislation, there has been a decline in adult populations, more or less marked according to the area, while demand from consumers is on the increase.

As well as catches by professional fishers, this decline is also to a considerable extent due to pleasure boat users, poaching and bacterial and viral diseases.

At the request of fishers, research is being carried out to achieve a deeper un-derstanding of patterns of change in edible sea urchin populations. This is the case in the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region, with the work of the scientists of the Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard.

Press contact: Karine BRANEYRE, presse@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 623 14 27 11 – +33 491 11 12 91 Institute contact : embiez@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 494 34 02 49

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The feasibility of experimental repopulation is also being studied. Hundreds of thousands of juvenile sea urchins raised in the experimental hatchery at Les Embiez have been released in the region of Toulon (S.E. France). Molecular tools are used to identify individuals at the various sites after their release.

PARTNERSHIPS

Scientific - Toulon South-Var University/ B 2M team, PROTÉE laboratory Financial - Toulon Provence Méditerranée (TPM: local authority) - Conseil Général du Var (local authority)

The edible sea urchin: maturation

The aim of the research programme Sea Urchins of the Sun, the result of an initiative by a local fisherman, Franck Ravez, is to respond to consumer demand: to provide customers with sea urchins well stocked with roe. In 2011, the Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard signed a convention with the local Sea Fishing and Sea Farming Committee for carrying out scientific and technical experimentation for the eventual development of a sea urchin maturation aquaculture facility.

After being collected at sea, the sea urchins are placed in a structure with optimum conditions for growth and maturation for two to three months. It is observed that the coloured sexual glands – the part that we eat – may, under these conditions, present a stronger and more homogeneous development than in the natural environment. The sea urchins are well filled with roe and are all the more appreciated by the consumers. Another advantage is that this ‘Caviar of the Mediterranean’ can be made available and marketed on demand.

PARTNERSHIPS

Scientific and technical - Comité Départemental des Pêches Maritimes et des Elevages Marins du Var (sea fishing and sea farming committee, Toulon area). Financial - Axis 4 of the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) - Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur Regional Council (PACA) - Toulon Provence Méditerranée (TPM: local authority)

The overall aim of the work carried out by the Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard on the edible sea urchin is to re-focus management resources towards more sustainable exploitation of sea urchin stocks in the Mediterranean.

Press contact: Karine BRANEYRE, presse@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 623 14 27 11 – +33 491 11 12 91 Institute contact : embiez@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 494 34 02 49

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Ecological restoration

The Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard is running the LANDEAU programme, focused on the theme: Ecological restoration of Mediterranean coastal shallow waters. In this case, that refers to the waters of the Le Brusc lagoon, which borders the island of Les Embiez (near Toulon, S.E. France). Why ? Because this area possesses all the characteristics necessary to serve as a nursery for juveniles of numerous fish species. A word of explanation: the larvae of fishes issued from reproduction carried out at sea are initially washed inshore by the marine currents; then they find their way to shallow coastal waters such as the lagoon to develop safe from predators, in particular in the seagrass meadows. The meadow in the lagoon, constituted of Cymodocea nodosa, has strongly regressed over the past few years. And this what is behind the idea of restoring this welcoming habitat by transplanting cuttings of this plant taken from other areas. The Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard researchers are working with a two-fold focus: - to study the potential of Le Brusc lagoon as a nursery; - to carry out experimental restoration of the Cymodocea meadow. The purpose of the programme is to provide support for sustainable fishing and for the management of fisheries resources. It has achieved recognition by the award of the label of the Pôle Mer Méditerranée Competitiveness Cluster.

PARTNERSHIPS

Scientific - Ecocean, for the catching and rearing of post-larvae - SM2 Solutions Marine, for transplantation and cuttings CEFREM – UPVD - UMR 5244 CNRS Financial - Agence de l’Eau Rhône Méditerranée Corse (water resources management board for southern France) - Conseil Général du Var (local authority) - Programme awarded the Pôle Mer Méditerranée label (competitiveness cluster)

Press contact: Karine BRANEYRE, presse@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 623 14 27 11 – +33 491 11 12 91 Institute contact : embiez@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 494 34 02 49

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• Biotechnologies

Development of tests of the efficacy of natural antifouling materials -

MARINA Programme Replacing classic antifouling paints, which are still highly polluting even if cer-tain components are now banned, will be a major challenge in the years to come. Antifouling paints are used on the hulls of boats and also on a range of struc-tures: wind turbines, pipelines, harbour constructions, for example. It is thus a major issue in terms of sustainable development, because of the possible im-pact on marine ecosystems. The aim of the research programme led by the Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard in partnership with the Toulon University MAPIEM laboratory is to use natural molecules to play the same role, that is to prevent colonizing organisms from becoming attached, but without using chemical products that have a damaging impact on the environment. The researchers have based their approach on biomimetics. They have sought inspiration in what exists in nature, choosing a species that is easily identifiable, accessible in sufficient quantities along the coasts and generally free of colo-nizing organisms. On this basis, the brown alga, Taonia atomaria, which is found in the upper few metres of water, seemed to be the ideal candidate. FIRST PHASE : ISOLATING PROMISING MOLECULES The first stage was to find a way to isolate promising molecules, then to develop re-producible and reliable testing methods to test their efficacy. A first series of tests focused on several natural molecules isolated by MAPIEM from the brown alga Taonia atomaria evidenced at least one antifouling activity. Performed on bacterial biofilms, and larvae of Balanomorpha encrusting crustaceans, the results of the study were promising. In presence of molecules isolated from the brown alga, the colo-nizing organisms are no longer able to become attached.

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SECOND PHASE : TESTING ON SEA LETTUCE SPORES The second stage of the research programme involved developing innovative tests using spores of Ulva lactuca, an alga commonly known as sea lettuce. The aim was to choose marine organisms that are phylogenetically distant from each other, in this case an alga and a crustacean. This method is a way to broaden the scope of the study of the field of action of the molecules studied on the attachment capability of the very varied organisms that colonize immerged objects. While other research la-boratories also focus on this topic using preferentially as a test Balanomorpha larvae, the protocol developed with the sea lettuce spore is innovative.

PARTNERSHIP Scientific MAPIEM : University of Toulon, Laboratoire Matériaux Polymères Interfaces Environnement Marin. MAPIEM EA 4323, 83957 La Garde Cedex, France.

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2/ Outreach - information

Outreach and providing information for the public are the other missions of

the Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard. Visits to the Aquarium and

Museum at Les Embiez (near Toulon, S.E. France), lectures, exhibitions,

multimedia productions, and more, offer the public expert information on

marine life and on the major environmental issues.

An Aquarium and Museum on an eco-model island

Some 25,000 visitors a year, including 5,000 school children, visit the Aquarium and Museum of the Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard on the island of Les Embiez. A hundred or so animal and plant species of the fauna and flora of the north-western Mediterranean are exhibited in twenty tanks. This is an appealing source of information for the general public and a tool for observation for scientists. The museum is mainly dedicated to Mediterranean marine organisms and their habitats. The facility includes a library open to the public. The island of Les Embiez is part of the European Natura 2000 network on the basis of its interest with regard to underwater biology. It is classified as a refuge of the Birds’ Protection league (LPO) for migrating species. A Nature Trail offers walkers first-hand and well-documented access to the island’s well-preserved environment.

The service vehicles on the island are electric, the harbour is certified for the most sought-after norms and labels: Ports Propres (Clean Harbours) (AFNOR), ISO 14001. Since 2005, the island has been awarded the Pavillon Bleu (Blue Flag environmental quality certification) every year.

Press contact: Karine BRANEYRE, presse@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 623 14 27 11 – +33 491 11 12 91 Institute contact : embiez@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 494 34 02 49

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Lectures to explain and discuss the issues

The Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard organizes and runs two series of lectures for the general public:

- Les Mardis de l’Environnement (Tuesday meetings: The Environment), in Paris (since 1991), with Marie-Pierre Cabello (SERE). Chaired and run by Patricia Ricard.

- Les Mercredis de la Mer (Wednesday meetings: The Sea), at Les Embiez (since 1990).

Every year, the Institute’s scientists take part in trade fairs, festivals and forums. They contribute their expertise and their know-how in providing scientific information for the general public and organizing events during their lectures, conferences and exhibitions. Partnerships have been developed with major cultural events such as Science Frontières (science frontiers) and the World Underwater Pictures Festival, in Marseille.

Publications and films

The Lettre d’Information de l’Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard (the Institute's Newsletter) is an annual publication (in French only). Published in several thousand copies, it reports on the life of the Institute and discusses the major environmental issues: Marine Protected Areas, biomimetics, universal access to water, and so on. (Newsletter available online (French only) at www.institut-paul-ricard.org) Scientific films for the general public present certain research programmes: Programme Oursin (Sea Urchin Programme), Biodiversity, New Issues for the Littoral, Ocean and Climate, etc. (Films available at www.institut-paul-ricard.org) and www.youtube.com/channel/UCMfhPZMxYxehoEsRg1o5lkg)

Press contact: Karine BRANEYRE, presse@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 623 14 27 11 – +33 491 11 12 91 Institute contact : embiez@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 494 34 02 49

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3/ Take OFF - Take Ocean For Future

On 23rd June 2016, Patricia Ricard, President of the Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard, and Alexandre Ricard, Chief Executive Officer of Pernod Ricard

Group, launched the scientific patronage project Take OFF: Take Ocean For Future. The aim is to provide support for research by young scientists for the benefit

of the oceans worldwide, and to continue to build up awareness.

Supported by Captain Paul Watson, Dr Françoise Gaill, Emeritus Directors of Research, CNRS, Pierre-Yves Cousteau and the fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, this initiative will provide support for research in ocean sciences, and in particular for young scientists throughout the world. Some of them will be invited for scientific residence visits on the island of Les Embiez (Var, S.E. France), the headquarters of the Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard.

Building up awareness

But Take Ocean For Future is also intended as a platform providing information and developing exchanges between scientists, companies, associations, institu-tions and the general public. The project is fully in phase with the original aim of the founder of the Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard : to awaken and to build up awareness by creat-ing a shared dynamic focused on the major challenges facing our Mediterrane-an Sea and all the world's oceans. Patricia Ricard : "In the face of climate warming and the threats that weigh upon our environment, science and scientific research must today push back their disciplinary, national and cultural frontiers".

The first Agreement

Signed on July 9th 2016 by Patricia Ricard, President of the Institute, and by Professor Kim Yun-hae, Dean of the National Korea Maritime and Ocean Uni-versity, the Agreement will reinforce the exchanges launched in 2013. Via the Korean branch of Pernod Ricard, the Agreement provides for joint research programmes and student bursaries and exchange programmes.

Press contact: Karine BRANEYRE, presse@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 623 14 27 11 – +33 491 11 12 91 Institute contact : embiez@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 494 34 02 49

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4/ Patricia Ricard, President of the

Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard

Patricia Ricard has for more than 30 years been actively engaged in the cause of the protection of the environment.

When she was nominated to the Presidency of the Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard in 2005, Patricia Ricard firmly based her actions on the values of her grandfa-ther, Paul Ricard, the founder of the Institute, and of her uncle, Patrick Ricard, an en-lightened patron. She shares with them: - the charisma of those who feel driven by a mission that is generous and wise, who know that they have right on their side since they advocate an ecological policy that is humane and realistic; - humanism stamped with simplicity and warmth that can mobilize energies and tal-ents; - a constant concern to look to the future, with a sense of responsibility and aware-ness of the public interest. At the Institute of which she is President, Patricia Ricard makes it a priority to develop actions of information and public outreach, always with a focus on sustainable devel-opment. She is also active in the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE), since 2010, and in numerous other organizations, associations and companies.

● 2015 Rapporteur to the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) for a

study on biomimicry and sustainable development.

● 2013 - 2014

- Founder member of CEEBIOS, European Centre of Excellence in Biomimetics, Senlis (Centre Européen d’Excellence en Biomimétisme de Senlis) (2014) - Member of the Board of Administration, Véolia Foundation (2014) - Joined the French naval reserve with the rank of Capitaine de Corvette (Lieu-tenant Commander), assigned to the Advanced Naval Studies Centre (Centre d’Etudes Supérieures de la Marine- CESM), Paris. (2013)

● 2012-2011

- Member of the Board of Management of the Marseille Water Board (Société des Eaux de Marseille) (2012) - Member of the Board of Management of the French National Parks Authority (Parcs Nationaux de France)(2011).

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● 2010-2009

- Member of the Special Commission for terminology and neology relative to the environment of the Ministry of Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and the Sea (2010). - Appointed to the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (Conseil Economique, Social et Environnemental) as a person qualified in matters re-garding the environment (October 2010) - Permanent member of the Advisory Board of the French Southern and Ant-arctic Lands (Terres Australes et Antarctiques Françaises -TAAF) (2009) - Participation in the national multi-stakeholder environmental consultative body La Grenelle de la Mer, group 3, and the Research Operational Committee (2009)

● 2008-2007

- Radio presenter : Radio de la Mer and Radio France International (RFI). - Technical Councillor for sustainable development for the Var Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Réunion des Chambres de Commerce et d’Industrie du Var)(2008).

- Member of the Board of Administration of WWF France (2008) - Member of the Board of Administration of the European Institute of Ecology (Institut Européen d’Ecologie)(2007)

● 2001-1998

- On the Planète Forum channel, presenter and editor of a weekly programme (52’) on nature and the environment.

● 2008-1995

- Founded, launched and presented the magazine programme Vert de Terre on the MCM channel.

● Since 1992

- Chairs and organises numerous documentary film festivals on the sciences of man and nature. - At the Davos World Economic Forum (1999, Switzerland), she was ahead of her time in presenting a selection of industrial films focused on the environ-ment.

● 1991 - Founded with Marie-Pierre Cabello the Mardis de l’Environnement (Tuesday Environment Meetings). Still chairs and runs this monthly cycle of lectures, a forum for discussions between experts and environment stakeholders.

● 1986 - Patricia Ricard appointed to the Board of Administration of the Institut Océ-anographique Paul Ricard, founded in 1966 by Paul Ricard, her grandfather, industrialist and pioneering ecological campaigner. The mission of the Institute is to know the sea, to make it known and to protect it. She has been President of the Institute since 2005.

HONOURS AWARDED TO PATRICIA RICARD - Chevalier in the Ordre national de la Légion d’Honneur (2013), - Chevalier in the Ordre national du Mérite Maritime (2010), - Chevalier in the Ordre national du Mérite, for the Environment (2007)

Press contact: Karine BRANEYRE, presse@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 623 14 27 11 – +33 491 11 12 91 Institute contact : embiez@institut-paul-ricard.org - Phone: +33 494 34 02 49

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5/ History – some key dates

• 1963 – THE ‘RED SLUDGE’ AFFAIR The bauxite processing plant at Gardanne (near Marseille, S. France) was discharging its waste matter at sea (‘boues rouges’) via a pipeline, off the port of Cassis. Elected officials, members of the public and celebrities (Jacques Prévert, Ionesco, François Mauriac, etc.) launched an anti-pollution crusade. Paul Ricard devoted his energies to this battle alongside Dr Alain Bombard to fight this pollution of the sea. Despite the widespread public outcry, the project to discharge the bauxite residue into the sea was finally recognised as of public interest.

• 1966 – FOUNDATION OF THE OBSERVATORY OF THE SEA Paul Ricard founded the Observatory of the Sea, which in 1991 was renamed as the Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard.

• 1973 – LAUNCH OF RESEARCH ACTIVITIES Professor Nardo Vicente, of the Science and Technology Faculty at Aix-Marseille Uni-versity, set up a research team at the island of Les Embiez.

- OPENING OF A PUBLIC AQUARIUM The third biggest public aquarium in the Mediterranean (50,000 visitors a year), after Banyuls-sur-Mer (S. France) and Monaco.

• 1974 – LAUNCH OF A JOURNAL - The Bulletin de l’Observatoire de la Mer (Bulletin of the Observatory of the Sea), which became Océanorama (1986) and the Lettre d’information (Newslet-ter).

• 1977 – SCIENTIFIC RECOGNITION The Institute’s research team was associated with the programme Ecotron of the Centre National pour l’Exploitation des Océans (CNEXO: national centre for the exploitation of the oceans), with the aim of optimizing the production of marine resources.

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• 1979 - A VISION OF THE FUTURE FOCUSED ON MAN AND THE SEA - Presentation of the itinerant exhibitions Habiter la Mer (Inhabit the Sea)

(1979 -1985), then Vivre avec la Mer (Live with the Sea) (1986-1998), with the architect Jacques Rougerie. Display panels and models were shown worldwide, and were seen by more than a million visitors.

- Launch of the drawing contest La Mer et l’Enfant (The Sea and the Chil-dren), sponsored by UNESCO and the World Underwater Pictures Festival. - Publication of the scientific journal Vie Marine, later renamed Marine Life

(1992). • 1980 –‘POLLUTIONS ET NUISANCES SUR LE LITTORAL MÉDITERRANÉEN’ (POLLUTION AND DESTRUCTION ON THE MEDITERRANEAN LITTORAL). - This striking film, made by Professor Nardo Vicente, Scientific Consultant at

the Institut océanographique Paul Ricard, and the film maker Christian Pétron, was influential in the vote to adopt of the Pollution Control Plan for the coasts of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. It won the Palme d’Or for science films at the Rio de Janeiro Film Festival, the Jury’s Special Prize for maritime and exploration films at Toulon, and 15 other awards in several European countries.

• 1981 – CAMPAIGN AGAINST BLACK TIDES - For Elf Aquitaine, the Institute’s research team contributed to developing a product to speed up the natural degradation of black tides. Eight years later, it was successfully used to clean up the beaches of Alaska after an oil tanker ran aground. • 1983 - AQUACULTURE. - An experimental aquaculture facility was set up at Les Embiez to monitor the

larval development of fishes of commercial value, such as the sea bass and the gilt-head bream. The aim: to train fish farming professionals. Organization of the region’s first training programme for aquaculture developers.

- The Institute became a member of a multi-partner research group on Mediterranean Aquaculture (GIS Aquaculture en Méditerranée).

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• 1985 – URBAN SEWAGE. - Start of research programmes in coastal ocean science. With the Agence de l’Eau Rhône Méditerranée Corse (southern France water resources management board), the researchers studied the fate of the bacteria in effluents from the East Toulon sewage treatment plant. A series of contracts and surveys at sea continued up to 2002 and led to the modelling of the fate of these bacteria, in particular in Thau lagoon (near Montpellier, S. France) and in the Indian Ocean (Mayotte, 2003).

• 1990 – GREENHOUSE EFFECT

With Elf Aquitaine, the research team designed an experimental system for analyzing the impact of the doubling of the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere on the microbial communities in seawater and their role in the biological pumping of this gas. This pioneering project (1990-1995) led to the development of the DOREMI Programme (INSU, CNRS, Elf Aquitaine), with twenty researchers working on month-long experiments at Les Embiez in 2000 and 2001. • 1992 – PRESERVING BIODIVERSITY The Institute gave its support to the actions of the Groupe d’Etude du Mérou (GEM: grouper research group). A moratorium banning the underwater fishing of the grouper was introduced in 1993, and has been regularly renewed since then. • 1995 - GRAND PRIX OF THE ACADÉMIE DES SCIENCES (ACADEMY OF

SCIENCES) For its work on black tides, the Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard was awarded the Grand Prix of the Académie des Sciences. - ‘MÉMOIRE D’UN MOUSQUEMER’ (Memoirs of a Maritime Musketeer)

With Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Commandant Philippe Tailliez, the making of a documentary film on the history of modern diving. Produced by Christian Frasson-Botton and Philippe Cupillard, it won the Jury’s Special Prize at the World Underwater Pictures Festival (1995). • 1996 – INFORMATION - EDUCATION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT - Publication of the book Fragile Méditerranée (Fragile Mediterranean), launch of the Institute’s website www.institut-paul-ricard.org.

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- For children, the organization of educational stays on the island of Les Embiez; production of a CD-rom : Kampi - Aventures en Méditerranée (Kampi – Adventures in the Mediterranean).

• 2002 (- 2005) – WATER QUALITY AND IMPACT OF HUMAN ACTIVITY Participation in the European project I-Marq (Information on marine environment quality) with the ministry of ecology and sustainable development and the European Community. The Institute’s research team worked with about ten international laboratories on the development of a system for the real-time analysis of coastal waters. • 2006 - NATURA 2000 PROJECT Inventory of marine habitats of interest to the European Community and drafting of a document presenting the aims of the inclusion of the Le Brusc lagoon and the shallows of the archipelago of Les Embiez (near Toulon, S.E. France) in the Natura 2000 network. • 2007 (- 2011) – THE CETACEANS AND THE WWF The Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard and WWF-France signed a scientific partnership for the study of Mediterranean cetacean populations, the impact of pollution on marine life and sustainable tourism. • 2008 - SPIRULINES Launch of the European programme AlgoHub on the production of microalgae by Roquette Group. With fifteen partners, including the Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard, the programme involves: - studying the nutritional quality of the spirulines ; - testing various cultivation techniques; - assessing possible microbial contaminants, the purity and stability of cultures.

The aim is to contribute to the fight against malnutrition in disadvantaged countries (Madagascar).

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• 2008 – A FIRST WORLDWIDE With Veolia Eau, a study of the impact of briny effluents discharged from seawater desalination plants. • 2009 – AN EXPERIMENTAL HATCHERY FOR THE PRESERVATION OF MARINE

BIODIVERSITY The minister of ecology and sustainable development, Jean-Louis Borloo, inaugurated the experimental hatchery, constructed on the island of Les Embiez (near Toulon, S.E. France) with the support of the bank Caisse d’Épargne Côte d’Azur. This facility produces various Mediterranean species of economic or patrimonial interest: sea urchin, sea horse, fan mussel, etc. Some are destined to be released into the sea. For this achievement, in 2012 the Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard and Caisse d’Épargne Côte d’Azur won the first of the Trophées du Mécénat d’Entreprise pour l’Environnement (company sponsorship for the environment trophy). • 2012 – ECOLOGICAL MONITORING

The Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard research team undertook surveys: - of the fauna and flora of the Calanque de Podestat, Marseille ; - of sea urchins in the Toulon area (S.E. France) ; - of fishes of the waters of the western Toulon area; - of the fan mussel. Another programme concerns the larvae of fishes of Le Brusc lagoon, focused on the ecological restoration of the coastal shallow waters. • 2014 – OCEAN AND CLIMATE PLATFORM The Institut océanographique Paul Ricard was among the founder members of this Platform. The aim was to place the oceans at the core of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Paris, 30 November - 11 December 2015).