Promoting marine research in Reunion
Ocean and coastal environments are under major pressure from activities such as fishing, as well as a result of climate change. To protect biodiversity and fragile marine ecosystems, there is a need to improve marine research capacity in island states such as Reunion. The RUN SEA SCIENCE(opens in new window) project worked to promote marine research in Reunion through the French Institute of Research for Development (IRD) on the island. RUN SEA SCIENCE enabled the IRD to obtain a wide range of equipment for marine and aquaculture research. The equipment allowed researchers to pursue studies in genetics, biodiversity, monitoring and aquaculture for the first time. New researchers were also hired and international research exchanges took place. In fact, 17 researcher exchanges were funded by RUN SEA SCIENCE, as well as an international training opportunity for 7 Reunion researchers. Lastly, scientists involved in the project were instrumental in organising the Sixth International Symposium of the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA). The IRD also hosted smaller seminars and workshops during the project lifetime. RUN SEA SCIENCE has stimulated marine research capacity and promoted international research collaborations at the IRD. In the long term, this will contribute to better management of shrinking global marine resources.
