For the second year running, 32 students from 7 IFSEA masters programs at the Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale and the Université d’Artois took part in two days of immersive exploration of the fishing and maritime industries in Boulogne-sur-Mer and Dunkirk, on September 26 and 27, 2024. The students, who came from backgrounds as diverse as marine ecology, logistics, supply chain, port planning, coastal development, international marketing and innovation, had the opportunity to discover the complexity and the strategic and environmental challenges of the fishing industry.
For Frida Lasram, Director of the IFSEA University Research School: “These days are not just visits, they are real learning experiences that enable students from a variety of backgrounds to ‘acculturate’ to marine issues by combining theory and practice. In this way, they grasp the full complexity of the fishing industry and its interconnection with economic, social and environmental aspects. This acculturation of students is a first step towards understanding the challenges facing the industry, whether in terms of sustainability, the environment, competitiveness or innovation”.
The program enabled students to gain a better understanding of the complexity and interactions between players in the sector through a number of activities:
Discovery of the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer and its emblematic infrastructures, notably the fish auction, where they witnessed the early-morning effervescence of seafood sales.
Visits to local companies who opened their doors to explain their activities: logistics with Delanchy, innovation in plant-based food with Seafood reboot – Olala foods, fish ponds with Opale vivier, traditional salting with Salaison Corrue and fish trade with JP marée and Les Chalutiers Boulonnais.
A workshop with La Paysanne des mers
Meeting with a professional fisherman: Mr. Baheux, owner of the “Le Murex” gillnetter, gave of his time to explain his activity, his vision of sustainability and the challenges facing his profession. An exchange full of sincerity, humility and humanity, it certainly changed the way people look at the fishing profession.
Insights into the structure of the Comité régional des pêches maritimes et des élevages marins des Hauts-de-France, its role, operations and scope of action.
Closing in Dunkirk: a tour of the Grand Port Maritime and the major logistical and environmental challenges associated with international maritime flows.
Students were also able to share convivial moments, notably at the traditional Boulogne breakfast, and work in interdisciplinary groups, reinforcing their team spirit and their ability to tackle complex issues.
Organized in partnership with the Agence Boulogne Développement Côte d’Opale and the “Boulogne-sur-Mer, la mer en direct” collective, and supported by local players, these days illustrate IFSEA’s commitment to offering training of excellence, at the service of the fishing and maritime industries.
