Pierre Bahurel receives Leadership award from Eric Banel, Director General of French Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture
On March 11th, 2025, in Paris, the Fondation de la Mer, one of France’s leading organisation for ocean conservation, supported by the Transatlantic Bank, honoured exceptional individuals for their positive impact on the Ocean across four categories: Association, Leadership, Entrepreneur, and Scientist.
In recognition of Mercator Ocean International’s achievements in pioneering Ocean science for 30 years, and making digital ocean knowledge accessible to everyone, Pierre received the Leadership award. Three other inspiring figures were recognised for making advances in Ocean science, leading associations and building start-ups.
On accepting the award, Pierre said: “It is remarkable that the Fondation de la Mer recognizes such diverse commitments – from associations, businesses, scientists, and organizations – united around shared values: knowledge sharing, progress for the common good, and scientific, economic, environmental, and societal rigour. I dedicate this award to all those who work towards shared knowledge in service of just decisions.”
Congratulations to the other winners for their achievements:
- Hélène Labach from Miraceti, an organisation focused on protecting marine mammals like dolphins, whales and porpoises;
- Véronique Raoul from Inalve, a company developing innovative microalgae production processes for food and feed;
- Jean-Pierre Gattuso, a French Ocean scientist from the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), and contributor to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Sabine Roux de Bézieux, President of Fondation de la Mer, said: “These awards honour and highlight men and women engaged in all fields to address the challenges related to the Ocean. Accelerating Ocean protection is the mission set by Fondation de la Mer. More than ever, we need innovations, concrete actions, and committed and inspiring individuals to accelerate the protection of the Ocean and its ecosystem.”
An evening to celebrate Ocean conservation
For this second edition of the ‘Ocean Advocates’ event, the names of the winners were unveiled at the Atelier des Lumières during an evening in the presence of the jury and the public. The evening highlighted innovative and inspiring personalities committed to a sustainable future for the Ocean. Each of the winners passionately and convincingly presented their missions and commitments for the future.
The award ceremony, designed by artist Miguel Chevalier (pioneer of virtual and digital art), was followed by a private visit of the ‘Oceans Odyssey: the Immersive Adventure’ exhibition, a journey through the mysteries and wonders of the underwater world.
What’s next
The Awards form a key part of France’s year of the Sea, with the main highlight coming in June with the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 2025) being held in Nice in June. Mercator Ocean will coordinate the design and installation of a European Digital Ocean Pavilion during the Conference.