Presentation on the Monaco Expedition & launching of the Seychellois Scientist Society
The Monaco Indian Ocean Expedition recently took place in October-November 2022 at the Saya de Malha Banks within the Joint Management Area (JMA), Aldabra and Saint Brandon. The expedition was made possible due to a joint agreement between Seychelles, Mauritius and Monaco, and a group of young Seychellois scientists were awarded the opportunity to join the Monaco Expedition during the 1st and 2nd leg of the mission.
Dr. Robert Calcagno ,CEO of the Oceanographic Institute Foundation Albert I, Prince of Monaco and Dr. Francis Marsac provided the audience with an overview and the scientific results of the mission and the group of young Seychellois each presented their experience and findings of the voyage, as well the impact this has had on them professionally and the work they are currently doing.
During the event, the idea of setting up a ‘Seychelles Scientist Society’ was presented by Ms. Annie Vidot who explained that this initiation stems from the participants themselves following their experiences during the mission. Young scientist from across all scientific fields are being encouraged to form part of this society.
In his closing remarks Dr. Calcagno expressed his gratitude to the republic of Seychelles and the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy for the collaboration and looks forward for another mission in the Indian Ocean.
The James Michel Foundation's CEO, Ms. Debbie Monthy, attended the presentation as an invited guest.