The Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer (French for 'French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea') or Ifremer is an oceanographic institution in France. A state-run and funded scientific organization, it is France's national integrated marine science research institute. Ifremer operates a number of research vessels and other vehicles, including the ROV Victor 6000 and the crewed submersible Nautile.
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Scope of works
Ifremer focuses its research activities in the following areas:
Monitoring, use and enhancement of coastal seas
Monitoring and optimization of aquaculture production
Fishery resources
Exploration and exploitation of the oceans and their biodiversity
Circulation and marine ecosystems, mechanisms, trends and forecasting
Engineering of major facilities in the service of oceanography
Knowledge transfer and innovation in its fields of its activities
In other words, Ifremer's purpose is to:"Conduct research, innovate, and provide expertise to protect and restore the ocean, sustainably manage marine resources and ecosystems, and share marine data."
History
In 1985, Ifremer partnered with Dr. Robert Ballard for an ultimately successful expedition to locate the wreck of the RMS Titanic.
In 1994 Ifremer assisted in the salvage of the cargo from the SS John Barry.
In 2008, Ifremer partnered with Dr. Bruce Shillito for the testing and initial operations of the PERISCOP, a deep sea fish recovery device.
In 2023, Ifremer sent the Atalante ship and the Victor 6000 ROV to the rescue operation of the Titan submersible.
Centres
Ifremer is located at 26 sites, including five main centres (Boulogne, Brest, Nantes, Toulon, and Tahiti), with headquarters at Brest. About twenty research departments are associated to these centres.