Je navigue’RAIE

The core team of Je navigue’RAIE consists of five people: Célia Bertrand, co-founder, PhD candidate in marine ecology and project manager; Julia Morath, co-founder and head of science outreach; Milla Lesut, oceanographer, professional diver and development officer; Thomas Julienne, ecologist, wildlife photographer and videographer; and Julien Gasc, marine biologist, professional diver and logistics officer.

EMERGE - Elasmobranchs: Outreach, Study and Research for Effective Management

The EMERGE project, conducted over three years (2025-2028) in the Cerbère-Banyuls Marine Nature Reserve, aims to improve knowledge of elasmobranchs (rays and sharks) in the Mediterranean, species that are both threatened and understudied. Its innovative approach combines two scientific methods - environmental DNA and acoustic telemetry - to identify their habitats and movements and help develop appropriate conservation measures.

The project also places a strong emphasis on science outreach, an aspect rarely integrated into research programmes, with the aim of raising awareness among a wide audience through audiovisual content and field activities. In keeping with its commitment to environmental responsibility, Je navigue’RAIE prioritises sailing for its activities.

In the Mediterranean, more than half of ray and shark species are threatened. Yet they remain understudied and largely unknown to the general public. In response, two students launched a scientific sailing expedition in Corsica, which led to the creation of the Je navigue’RAIE association. Their goal is to build a bridge between science and society through research and science outreach. The EMERGE project was subsequently launched to study these species in the Cerbère-Banyuls Marine Nature Reserve, a potentially key area, in order to support future conservation measures.

Support from the AETHER Fund helps develop field missions dedicated to monitoring rays using acoustic telemetry.