How Can Such Destructive Actions Be Allowed?
Humpback whale calving threatened by IFREMER’s seismic testing – © OMMAG
On January 13, 2025, Jean-Christophe Bouvier, the former prefect of Martinique, issued a decree authorizing an oceanographic mission by IFREMER in the waters of the Lesser Antilles. This mission, scheduled between March 1 and April 20, will take place aboard the research vessel L’Atalante and involve seismic testing using airgun blasts and sonar to study the seabed. However, this period coincides with the peak migration, reproduction, and calving season of humpback and sperm whales, two species classified as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
A Threat to Cetaceans
The techniques used in this mission are well known for their harmful effects on marine mammals. The underwater blasts generated by airguns can reach 238 marine decibels—far exceeding recommended thresholds. These intense noises disrupt hearing, communication, navigation, feeding, and reproduction in whales and sea turtles.
The consequences can be devastating: strandings, increased mortality rates, and population collapse, ultimately threatening the balance of the marine ecosystem.
A Controversial Authorization
Environmental organizations strongly oppose the prefect’s decision, which was made without public consultation or the required exemption for protected species. This scientific mission directly infringes upon the Agoa Sanctuary, a marine protected area dedicated to safeguarding marine mammals in the waters of Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy. Established in 2010 under the SPAW Protocol of the Cartagena Convention, the Agoa Sanctuary is meant to ensure the safety of these animals, particularly during their critical breeding and migration periods.
In October 2024, the Agoa Sanctuary’s technical committee issued a clear advisory recommending against seismic testing in March and April, urging the implementation of visual and acoustic monitoring. However, IFREMER ignored these recommendations and scheduled the mission during the most sensitive time for cetaceans. Furthermore, experts deem the proposed monitoring strategy ineffective: in open waters, whales are difficult to spot visually, and their vocalizations are sporadic, making detection unreliable. With tests scheduled around the clock, collateral damage appears inevitable.
Legal Action and Public Outcry
In response, a coalition of 17 environmental organizations and whale-watching companies has filed a legal challenge with the Administrative Court of Fort-de-France. The coalition demands the urgent annulment of the prefectural decree, arguing that it violates the SPAW Protocol, which France ratified in 2002.
A petition has also been launched, calling for an outright ban on seismic testing within the Agoa Sanctuary. The signatory organizations urge authorities to take immediate action to protect these threatened species and uphold France’s international commitments to marine wildlife conservation.
Signatory Organizations
AEVA, ASFA, ASSOMER, Breach Antilles, Eastern Caribbean Coalition for Environmental Awareness, Éleau, Markùs Evasion, Megaptera, Mon École Ma Baleine, OMMAG, Sea Shepherd France, Soleil Excursions, Vétérinaires pour la biodiversité, Wind Adventures, V-reef, COMASSUB – FFESSM, Counting Whales.
Yet Again…
Once again, this situation highlights the glaring contradiction between France’s ecological commitments and administrative decisions that put already vulnerable protected species at risk. While marine mammal conservation is a stated priority, this mission threatens to have irreversible consequences for their survival.
What Is IFREMER?
The French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (IFREMER) is a public research institution dedicated to marine science and technology. Established in 1984, it operates under the joint supervision of the Ministries of Research, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Ecological Transition.
IFREMER conducts studies on various aspects of the ocean, including:
• Deep-sea exploration
• Biodiversity and marine ecosystem preservation
• Fisheries management and aquaculture
• Environmental risks related to human activities and climate change
• Development of new technologies for marine observation and sustainable resource exploitation
The institute operates multiple research centers in mainland France and overseas territories and manages a fleet of specialized oceanographic vessels, including L’Atalante, and deep-sea exploration submarines, such as the renowned Nautile.
In this case, IFREMER faces criticism for scheduling seismic testing during peak whale breeding season, despite being fully aware of the severe impact on these species and disregarding expert recommendations and environmental advocacy groups’ warnings.
