To mark the Year of the Sea, a national event taking place from September 2024 to September 2025, the IFSEA University Research School – a structure supported by ULCO and entirely dedicated to the fishing industry and associated marine sciences – is marking the occasion with the first edition of its scientific days, in the form of a symposium dedicated to the sustainability of the seafood industry.
The symposium took place on November 6 and 7, 2024 at ULCO, and brought together scientists, students, PhD students and players from the socio-economic world.
Plenary lectures by distinguished guests alternated with round-table discussions involving leading professionals on the Boulonnais scene, as well as doctoral student pitches to address the major challenges and issues facing the fishing industry and its associated marine sciences.
The event was opened by Frédéric Cuvillier, former French Minister and Mayor of Boulogne-sur-Mer, followed by a lecture by Sébastien ABIS, Director of Club DEMETER, on geopolitics at sea and food security.
Two round-table discussions on the impact of crises and the resilience of Boulogne-sur-Mer’s fishing industry brought together leaders and personalities from upstream in the industry (Alain CAILLIER (Managing Director of the Port of Boulogne), Antoine Le GARREC (Managing Director of the LE GARREC group), Thierry MISSONNIER (President of the AQUIMER cluster), Louis GUSTIN (Director of the Comité Régional des Pêches Maritimes et des Élevages Marins) and Cyril CZEKANSKI (Head of the territorial mission at the DIRM)) and downstream (Sylvain PRUVOST (President of the Pôle Mer of Agromousquetaires/Intermarché), Philippe FROMANTIN (President of Etablissements JC David), Aymeric CHRZAN (General Secretary of Syndicat des mareyeurs boulonnais) and Philippe VANBELLE (Director of Filiale STEF TRANSPORT Boulogne-sur-Mer)).
Frida Lasram, Director of IFSEA, commented: “This symposium, co-organized with the help of Pascal Labarre of the CCI Littoral Hauts-de-France, highlighted Boulogne-sur-Mer’s resilience and ability to adapt to the many crises affecting the seafood industry. Thanks to close collaboration between socio-economic and scientific players, and a strong commitment to innovation, we have the keys to meeting today’s challenges and building a sustainable future. Together, we will continue to transform these obstacles into opportunities for a more resilient, competitive industry that respects resources and the environment.”
