Ecoseas: marine protected areas
- Science and society
- Research
- Sustainable Development
Published on June 19, 2025
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Updated on June 19, 2025
Dates
on the June 17, 2025
Location
Unknown label
A marine protected area (MPA) is a maritime zone where certain activities are restricted or prohibited to protect biodiversity. It's like a nature reserve, but at sea.
In these marine protected areas, there is a core zone, a veritable sanctuary where no human activity is permitted, and adjacent zones where certain activities are allowed, but under certain conditions. The idea is simple: reduce human impact to allow ecosystems to regenerate. This will also benefit artisanal fishermen in the long term, as healthy fish stocks are a win-winsituation.
The marine ecosystems of the Bay of Nice are under threat from numerous pressures:destruction of habitats, overfishing, pollution, nautical activities....The future marine protected area of the Nice Côte d'Azur metropolitan area would extend from the mouth of the Var to the boundary between Nice and Villefranches-Sur-Mer. To create this MPA, research is crucial, and the ECOSEAS laboratory is mobilized on several fronts.
Researchers from the ECOSEAS laboratory have been diving to take stock of the species present: micro-algae, posidonia, red coral, groupers, etc. These observations make it possible to determine the most sensitive areas to be protected.
The researchers are using environmental DNA, an innovative method that identifies the species present from simple water samples. This approach complements visual counts and image analysis using artificial intelligence. A socio-economic diagnosis was also carried out to measure the impact of human activities, involving citizens, associations and professionals.
After five years of research and consultation, in 2025 the Nice Côte d'Azur Metropolis will submit a request for the creation of a marine protected area, the fruit of a collective effort in favor of the Mediterranean.
Threats to biodiversity
The marine ecosystems of the Bay of Nice are under threat from numerous pressures:destruction of habitats, overfishing, pollution, nautical activities....The future marine protected area of the Nice Côte d'Azur metropolitan area would extend from the mouth of the Var to the boundary between Nice and Villefranches-Sur-Mer. To create this MPA, research is crucial, and the ECOSEAS laboratory is mobilized on several fronts.
Diagnosis for better protection
In order to define the areas to be protected and draw up a management plan, the Metropole de Nice has set up a scientific council for the MPA so that researchers can contribute their expertise. Lawyers, chemists, biologists and economists work hand in hand to achieve a balanced and viable project.Researchers from the ECOSEAS laboratory have been diving to take stock of the species present: micro-algae, posidonia, red coral, groupers, etc. These observations make it possible to determine the most sensitive areas to be protected.
The researchers are using environmental DNA, an innovative method that identifies the species present from simple water samples. This approach complements visual counts and image analysis using artificial intelligence. A socio-economic diagnosis was also carried out to measure the impact of human activities, involving citizens, associations and professionals.
After five years of research and consultation, in 2025 the Nice Côte d'Azur Metropolis will submit a request for the creation of a marine protected area, the fruit of a collective effort in favor of the Mediterranean.
