France 2030: ALSEAMAR and the CNRS deploy a record fleet of 10 autonomous underwater gliders
The CNRS and ALSEAMAR deployed ten SEAEXPLORER autonomous underwater gliders in the Ligurian Sea as part of Mission 6 under the “Deep Seabed” Priority Objective (Objective No. 10) of the France 2030 funding plan, entrusted to the CNRS. This deployment marks the first milestone in the development of a multi-variable, multi-scale environmental data atlas for the northwestern Mediterranean Sea.
AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH
Led by the CNRS, the mission aims to improve our understanding of the physical, biogeochemical and biological dynamics of marine ecosystems, as well as how they are evolving under increasing anthropogenic pressures. It relies on an innovative approach combining coordinated fleets of autonomous underwater gliders, multi-parameter sensing technologies and intelligent mission management. Particular emphasis will also be placed on biodiversity through the use of innovative monitoring technologies (environmental DNA [eDNA], in situ imaging).
Capable of diving to depths of up to 1,000 meters and transmitting data via satellite, the gliders will operate for one month.
THE NEXT PHASES
The next phases include deployments in the Gulf of Lion in 2028 to test innovative sensors, followed by a campaign in French Polynesia in 2028–2029 to explore seamounts. Between 2029 and 2030, the resulting data will be integrated into the environmental atlas and widely disseminated, supporting France 2030’s broader ambitions for ocean preservation.
