La Rochelle, France
05.46.44.99.10 (7 jours/7)

Research

Research support

Our Observatory supports research in ecology and conservation of marine megafauna through the collection and long-term storage of data and biological tissues. PELAGIS also produces indicators on the state of the populations of these species and develops analysis tools useful to the whole scientific community.

Observation data at sea

Knowing, understanding and predicting changes in the abundance (how many?) and distribution (where?) of animals at sea is a major challenge. The sea campaigns conducted by Pelagis enable us to map and model the habitat of these animals by supporting university theses and national or international research projects for all the waters of the planet.

Biological Tissue Database

Access to organs of protected species is fundamental to understanding their biology and state of health, but their collection is often impossible in the wild. The observatory manages a bank of more than 25,000 samples, providing a rare opportunity to rapidly mobilise samples of different species of marine mammals. Around ten scientific research projects per year, carried out by French or foreign laboratories, are made possible thanks to this long-term collection work on stranded animals.

Innovation

Today’s research and conservation programmes pose challenges for the collection, traceability, storage and analysis of an increasing amount of data. The Pelagis Observatory develops software and analysis tools to meet these challenges. It also contributes to the development of innovative means of observation such as high-definition digital photography during aerial overflights.

Trainning

The Pelagis Observatory supports research by also acting through training activities and the transfer of knowledge to students but also to French and foreign managers and scientists.

Biological parameters

Age, reproductive status, diet or concentrations of chemical contaminants are essential parameters for describing and understanding the ecology of marine predators and monitoring certain threats to these species. Through its laboratory activities, the Pelagis Observatory regularly analyses these different parameters.

Publications

Annual reports on strandings, reports on campaigns at sea, on contaminants. Scientific articles. Marine Mammal Guides.