Marine Educative Area "Generation 8" : Workshops at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

This afternoon, the AMPN team and Dr. Alexis Pey from Thalassa Marine Research & Environmental awareness introduced the CM2 students of the Institution François d’Assise – Nicolas Barré to the FAST protocol (Fish Assemblage Sampling Technique).

Developed by Prof. Patrice Francour of the University of Nice, this citizen-science protocol aims to train recreational divers in collecting scientific data on fish communities. Designed to be easy to implement, FAST provides valuable information for researchers.

The students first received theoretical training on the topic, presenting the method and the criteria used to identify different fish species. They then headed to the Mediterranean section of the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco's aquariums to put their new knowledge into practice. Equipped with identification slates, they were tasked with recording the species present and estimating their size.

Meanwhile, a fun workshop encouraged them to search for protected and exotic species, thereby strengthening the knowledge they have gained since the beginning of the year about biodiversity in general and climate change in particular.

This half-day session helped them understand the rigor required to apply a scientific protocol, as well as the essential role fish communities play as indicators of the health of the marine environment. These learning experiences provide them with the foundation to propose informed management measures for their MEA.

We would like to thank the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco for its hospitality. Thanks to this collaboration, the students were able to observe marine life firsthand, which they are committed to protecting.

Program supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Government of Monaco.

Photo credit : AMPN