Publications
Lagoon hydrodynamics of pearl farming islands: the case of Gambier (French Polynesia)
A comprehensive nine-month study of the Gambier lagoon in French Polynesia revealed critical hydrodynamic patterns influencing black pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera) spat collection, a cornerstone of the region's pearl farming industry. The research, conducted between 2019 and 2020 as part of the ANR-funded MANA project, deployed an extensive array of autonomous oceanographic instruments to measure temperature, pressure, and currents across sixteen locations in the lagoon and forereef. Key findings highlighted the wave climate, tidal dynamics, and lagoonal circulation, particularly in the northern region and Rikitea sub-lagoon—a prime spat collection site. These observations provided foundational data for a high-resolution biophysical model aimed at understanding oyster larvae connectivity. The study underscores the importance of detailed hydrodynamic data in advancing sustainable pearl farming practices while contributing to broader ecological insights for UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the French Austral Lands and Seas.
The genus Ramalina (Ascomycota, Lecanoromycetes, Ramalinaceae) from the Scattered Islands (French Southern and Antarctic Lands), with descriptions of three new species
A systematic survey of lichens conducted in the French Scattered Islands (French Southern and Antarctic Lands) identified five species of the genus Ramalina, including three previously undescribed species: Ramalina gloriosensis sp. nov., R. hivertiana sp. nov., and R. marteaui sp. nov. These discoveries were made using a combination of morphological analysis—examining macroscopic and microscopic features—and advanced chemical profiling via high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS). The study also provided an identification key for the species found in the region, which will aid future research on this genus. This work contributes to the understanding of lichen biodiversity in these remote and ecologically significant islands.
Business families in Southern Patagonia: from the end of the 19th Century to the first decades of 20th century
Family businesses played a pivotal role in the economic development of Southern Patagonia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, serving as the foundation for trade in hunting products, leather, and exotic feathers. These enterprises, often established through personal and familial networks, expanded rapidly by integrating with international markets and leveraging land concessions. The study analyzes the genealogical and commercial trajectories of three prominent family businesses—particularly the Braun-Menéndez Behety family—to uncover strategies that ensured their survival and growth. It highlights the interplay between local economic structures, European capitalism, and interregional connections, while also emphasizing the role of familial and social dynamics in entrepreneurial success. The research employs a genealogy-based approach, combining economic history and entrepreneurial theory to elucidate the evolution of these businesses.
The French Austral Lands and Seas Biodiversity haven in the Southern Ocean
The French Austral Lands and Seas, encompassing the Crozet Archipelago, Kerguelen Islands, and Saint-Paul and Amsterdam islands, were inscribed as the 50th marine World Heritage Site in 2019. This recognition highlights their exceptional biodiversity and ecological significance in the Southern Ocean. The region, administered by the Terres australes et antarctiques françaises (TAAF), serves as a critical haven for conservation, research, and sustainable fisheries management. Spanning between the 37th and 50th southern parallels, these territories support unique ecosystems that thrive in the harsh conditions of the southern Indian Ocean, underscoring their global importance for biodiversity preservation.
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