ARPROE - Action pour la Régénération en Plongée des Récifs d'Ostrea Edulis.

The regeneration of ostrea edulis (flat oysters) reefs is a priority identified by OSPAR*. Ostrea edulis is listed as a species at risk of extinction. ARPROE regenerates ostrea edulis reefs. The flat oyster is an ingenious species that builds reefs under the foreshore, its habitat. These reefs act on our coasts like corals in tropical zones, but they have virtually disappeared. - These reefs encourage the development of significant biodiversity, providing habitat, protection and food. - These reefs increase the roughness of the seabed, allow CO2-capturing algae to cling on and help to protect the coastline. - Clinging to the reefs, flat oysters filter the water beyond the foreshore. They are sentinels, indicating the state of health of coastal ecosystems. - The regeneration of flat oyster reefs, harvested by diving in a rational manner, contributes to food safety. - Oysters are a healthy food, rich in proteins and nutrients that promote good human health. Today, flat oysters are too often found rolling around on the seabed or too sparse to allow the species to regenerate its habitat on its own. Scattered and not fixed, they are more vulnerable to epizootics and predators. In the 1970s, two epizootics, Bonamia and Marteilia, almost wiped out ostrea edulis, which were already victims of overfishing. The Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer or Ifremer's Forever project showed that it was possible to regenerate ostrea edulis reefs. ARPROE's action is based on three pillars: - Regenerating ostrea edulis reefs as a catalyst for biodiversity. - Providing information and training to enable everyone to participate in this regeneration. - Develop dive fishing, to offer a professional life outdoors, while having a positive impact on the environment. *OSPAR: Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic