Marine Research

Marine research and operational oceanography cover several specialities, most often developed within international programmes, in keeping with the scale of the problems for ocean and environmental status. The activity involves a small number of public organisations, some of which work in several fields.

Ifremer, university and CNRS (National Centre for Scientific Research) oceanography laboratories, the SHOM French Navy hydrographic and oceanographic service, the IRD Research Institute for Development and the IPEV Paul-Emile-Victor Polar Research Institute are the main scientific organisations in public marine research. Earth-observation satellites provide an additional component. They are financed by the CNES National Centre for Space Studies, generally in the framework of bilateral or multilateral co-operation.

The other main organisations involved in marine research are: Meteo-France (French meteorological office), INRA National Agronomic Research Institute, CIRAD Agricultural Research Centre for Development, BRGM Office for Geological and Mining Research.

Civilian marine research effort by main organisations

1. Number of salaried employees
2. All Ifremer activities, scientific and administrative staff, not including Genavir
3. Ifremer estimates based on information from CNRS
Source: Marine research organizations