Project leader: The Paul Ricard Oceanographic Institute in partnerships with Cypreos France Eponge and the Hellenic Center for Marine Research
Action sheet: FA 2 – Maintain the balance of ecosystems within the Côte d’Azur Fisheries Local Action Group territory and mitigate the effects of climate change
This project aims to promote the sustainable harvesting of sea sponges, in the context of depleted stocks while taking advantage of their natural water purification capacity. The project focuses on establishing a new farming industry to boost the local economy and enhance water quality.
The first phase involves collecting specimens and conducting tests in a controlled environment to determine the optimal conditions for sponge growth. The second phase will study the bioremediation potential of sponges. They are renowned for their capacity to filter large volumes of water, actively improving the quality of their natural habitat by capturing organic matter and chemical pollutants.
This project aims to :
- Reconcile biodiversity conservation with sustainable resource exploitation and to improve water quality by providing an alternative to harvesting through the cultivation of sponges in controlled environments (phase 1).
- Fight marine pollution, particularly caused by human activities, by using sponges’ ability to filter and improve water quality (phase 2).
Project schedule:
April 2025: launch of phase 1
May 2026: launch of phase 2
Expected results:
- Reducing pressure on natural sponge population
- Contributing to the restoration of marine ecosystems
- Maintaining the activity of sponge fishers and preserving their traditional expertise and economic role
- Creating a new, innovative and sustainable aquaculture sector
- Securing sponge supply for industries that depend on them
- Gaining knowledge
- Developing reproducible breeding protocols
- Encouraging the sharing of skills and knowledge between research institutions
Project cost:
Total cost: €197,010
EMFAF co-financing: €78,804
Region Sud co-financing : €78,804