After the forest, the oceans… And this month we have chosen an association that is doing an amazing job, particularly on the legal front, to preserve the Blue of our planet… We particularly love their fighting spirit AND full of hope!

BLOOM and its missions

BLOOM is a non-profit association under the French law of 1901, founded in 2005 by Claire Nouvian . Entirely dedicated to the ocean and those who depend on it, BLOOM’s mission is to work for the common good, the preservation of biodiversity, marine habitats and the climate by creating a sustainable and respectful relationship between humans and the sea.

BLOOM has made the strategic choice to remain small and to focus its energy and expertise around three key areas:

• Preserving ecosystems and biodiversity by implementing practices that limit impacts on non-target species and habitats;
• Job creation through the development of the artisanal fishing sector ;
• The end of a financial disaster by campaigning for a better distribution of French and European public subsidies, currently captured by the industrial fishing lobby .

Our goals are to protect the ocean and marine species while maximizing sustainable jobs in fishing and aquaculture:

First and foremost, we must care for, restore, and protect.

Simultaneously, we must fight, resist, prevent and oppose.

Finally, we must transform, invent, and build.

And the priorities are clear:

• End destructive fishing methods
• End the expansion of fishing pressure worldwide
• Protecting the marine environment and preserving its resilience
• Promote artisanal fishing using environmentally friendly methods that generate significant employment.

And in action?

• The development of independent scientific research is essential to be able to study all subjects, even the most sensitive. This is absolutely necessary for a major fishing nation like France, whose state-funded research institutes can sometimes engage in self-censorship. We have therefore chosen to establish genuine research programs, such as a research institute , to give our actions and statements unassailable legitimacy. Whenever possible, we publish our analyses in international scientific journals, and our work is carried out in collaboration with researchers from around the world.

• Education , to empower as many people as possible to make responsible choices. We conduct awareness-raising, educational, and scientific outreach activities. We share our knowledge through participation in conferences, courses, exhibitions, workshops, publications, and at fairs and festivals, enabling diverse audiences to make informed decisions.

• Political intervention aims to influence the practices and pressures that have produced the ineffective management model we see today. We are engaged in legislative action through citizen advocacy and participation in public consultations and institutional processes. We fight to ensure that political decision-makers and private actors protect the ocean. This fight translates into supporting elected officials, evaluating public and private practices, mobilizing citizens, and taking legal action.

To mark the association’s 10th anniversary, a beautiful booklet has been written which showcases the extent of BLOOM’s actions, awareness campaigns and campaigns.

Thank you to them, because we agree, it’s TOO important.

And for a visual preview, click here .

I encourage you to check out the page listing the various awards received by the association and by Claire herself; it’s impressive! Over there 😉

So if you too would like to support and encourage them in their actions, click here . Thank you!