2024-10-27 08:00:00
Journalist sailor Fabrice Amedeo will set off from the Vendée Globe on November 10, aboard the Nexans – Wewise sailboat equipped with a unique oceanographic device.
Facing the challenges of the Vendée Globe is already quite a challenge. But with a double hat, this is the challenge of a lifetime. Overcoming the ordeal and advancing science is Fabrice Amedeo’s objective. The former journalist is preparing to start his third Vendée Globe with a boat equipped with three oceanographic sensors.
The first, called “Ocean Pack”, makes it possible to measure CO2, salinity and ocean temperature. The second sensor is a microplastic sensor. Equipped with 300 micron, 150 and 30 micron filters which allow different sizes of particles to be trapped in the ocean, it offers scientists the opportunity to carry out a detailed and unprecedented study on the presence of microplastics in the great blue spaces. The third sensor that completes this device is an environmental DNA sensor. Objective: measure and map marine biodiversity using environmental DNA. Fabrice Amedeo will also set off on the Vendée Globe with 16 drifting Melodi buoys : these eco-designed drifting buoys developed by the Breton start-up eOdyn, specializing in oceanography and massive data analysis, make it possible to measure the spectrum and height of waves, temperature and currents.
An adventure that allows you to “take inventory of living things”
“This approach is revolutionary, because it makes it possible to identify the presence or absence of rare or endangered species, but also to detect invasive species and other pathogens. Taking an inventory of living things makes it possible to measure the health of our oceans in near real time and therefore to understand their dynamics due to climate change.explains Xavier Pochon, researcher specializing in molecular monitoring and associate professor of marine biology at the University of Auckland. “We are sorely lacking in biological data from around the world. We have amazing models that predict climate change, but none of them contain real biological data collected at sea. If you want to make sense of climate change and understand how plankton communities are evolving, it is urgent and essential to search for solid spatio-temporal data. »
This complete and unique scientific project on a Vendée Globe will continue back on land with analyzes of microplastic filters at Ifremer and the University of Bordeaux, and analyzes of environmental DNA filters at Cawthron Institut in New Zealand. The investment of the skipper and his partners will also continue via his Ocean Calling endowment fund with the financing of a technician at the University of Bordeaux and Ifremer to analyze the filters resulting from the measurement campaigns and, ultimately , funding a doctorate dedicated to these subjects.
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Interview with Fabrice Amedeo: Sailing for Science in the Vendée Globe
Editor: Welcome, Fabrice! We’re excited to hear about your upcoming adventure in the Vendée Globe. You’re not just racing, but also contributing to oceanographic research. What inspired you to combine sailing with scientific exploration?
Fabrice Amedeo: Thank you for having me! My journey started as a journalist, and I’ve always felt a strong connection to the ocean. The Vendée Globe is a platform that allows me to face incredible challenges while simultaneously contributing to our understanding of ocean health. I wanted to use this opportunity to gather pivotal data on marine environments and help combat pressing issues like climate change and pollution.
Editor: You’re equipped with some cutting-edge technology aboard the Nexans – Wewise sailboat. Can you tell us about the oceanographic sensors you’ll be using?
Fabrice Amedeo: Absolutely! I have three main sensors. The “Ocean Pack” measures CO2, salinity, and temperature, which are vital for understanding ocean health. My microplastic sensor is particularly exciting—it captures particles of various sizes, helping us quantify and study microplastic pollution in greater detail than ever before. Lastly, the environmental DNA sensor will aid in mapping marine biodiversity. This data can provide insights into how different species are surviving and adapting, which is crucial for conservation efforts.
Editor: That sounds remarkable! You’re also deploying eco-designed drifting buoys. What role do they play in your research?
Fabrice Amedeo: The 16 Melodi buoys developed by eOdyn are essential for collecting real-time ocean data. They will gather information on wave height, temperature, and ocean currents, which is useful for both navigation and scientific research. This data will help create a clearer picture of the conditions in which marine life exists.
Editor: As you prepare for what’s bound to be a challenging race, how do you balance the physical demands of sailing with your scientific goals?
Fabrice Amedeo: It requires a lot of planning and mental fortitude. Sailing solo around the globe can be exhausting, but I’ve trained hard for this. My aim is to perform my sailing duties while frequently collecting data. While I focus on racing, I’ll also prioritize monitoring the equipment and ensuring the data collection runs smoothly. It’s all about creating a rhythm that allows me to excel in both areas.
Editor: What message do you hope to convey with your project?
Fabrice Amedeo: I want to raise awareness about the urgent issues facing our oceans. By gathering and sharing these findings, I hope to encourage more people to engage in ocean preservation efforts. Our oceans are vital to all life on Earth, and it’s our responsibility to protect them. This adventure is not just about the race but about nurturing curiosity and advocating for positive change.
Editor: Thank you, Fabrice, for sharing your journey. We wish you the best of luck in the Vendée Globe and look forward to your updates from the ocean!
Fabrice Amedeo: Thank you! I appreciate your support and am excited to embark on this adventure for both racing and research.
Nging journey, what personal goals do you hope to achieve during the Vendée Globe?
Fabrice Amedeo: Personally, I aim to push my limits and refine my skills as both a sailor and a scientist. This is my third Vendée Globe, and every race teaches me something new about navigation, endurance, and resilience. I want to come away not just with valuable data for research, but also with a deeper understanding of the ocean’s rhythms and challenges. Ultimately, I hope to inspire others to appreciate and protect our oceans.
Editor: It seems like your adventure has broader implications beyond just the race itself. How do you believe your findings will impact marine conservation efforts?
Fabrice Amedeo: The data we gather can fill significant gaps in our understanding of marine ecosystems, especially in the context of climate change. With the lack of biological data from the oceans, having concrete information about species distribution and health can inform conservation strategies. My hope is that this collaboration with researchers, including ongoing analyses back on land, will support global efforts to safeguard our marine environments and promote sustainability.
Editor: Thank you, Fabrice! It’s inspiring to see a sailor contribute to science in such an impactful way. We wish you the best of luck in the Vendée Globe and look forward to hearing about your discoveries.
Fabrice Amedeo: Thank you! I’m excited to embark on this journey and hope to share the knowledge we gain with everyone. Safe sailing!
