The first small-scale underwater marathon, combining sporting challenge and awareness of the ocean's fragility.
On the occasion of World Ocean Day, Pure Ocean organized on June 8, 2020, an underwater marathon with scuba divers who completed, in relay, a course at approximately 10 meters depth. around the Frioul archipelago in Marseille. In the 18th centuryRatonneau Island, one of the four islands of the archipelago, was used as a quarantine site during the plague.
On June 8, this emblematic site served as a playground and natural backdrop for an ode to nature – an appeal for the preservation of the ocean, a space of freedom and the lungs of the planet. Organized in partnership with Dune, a world leader in diving, snorkeling and freediving trips, the world-first Pure Ocean Underwater Marathon combined sporting challenge, commitment and innovation in the service of the ocean.
This special edition, held in compliance with post-Covid health measures and without a public audience, was broadcast live on Facebook both underwater and above the surface thanks to technology and Notilo Plus’ underwater drones.
Thank you to DUNE Marseille for the technical direction of this world-first.
Thank you to Notilo Plus for this technological achievement and the incredible live underwater footage made possible by the iBubble camera.
Thank you to Olivier Oudon and PLONGÉE TV for flawlessly hosting this first edition.
Thank you to Septentrion Environnement for this superb floating platform.
Thank you to our sponsors CBRE, the Crédit Agricole Provence Côte d’Azur Corporate Foundation, and Seafoodia.
We hope that this Underwater Marathon in Frioul is just the first of many to come. The ocean is our life insurance policy, so let’s continue to mobilize, raise awareness and raise funds for ocean research!
A program showcasing local players and initiatives
This Underwater Marathon is also an opportunity for Pure Ocean to promote partners who contribute to the preservation of our environment. Le Cromagnon, Henri Cosquer’s former boat, inventor of the eponymous prehistoric cave, is now in the hands of the Septentrion Environnement association.. This historic boat, emblematic of Marseille’s harbour, will serve as the HQ for a number of meetings. around four themes, each with a specific regional approach:
• Innovation sociale : plongée, veille environnementale et sciences participatives
Rencontre avec Laura Barth de l’association Septentrion Environnement, créatrice de la platefome et de l’application mobile Polaris
• Technological innovation: underwater drones & artificial intelligence
Meet Benjamin Valtin and Notilo Plus, a company developing autonomous underwater systems enhanced by artificial intelligence.
• Responsible aquaculture, short supply chains, and nutrition
Meet Fanny and Aurélien, partners at the helm of Provence Aquaculture, an organic and sustainable fish farm located on Pomègues Island.
• Citizen engagement: a freediver committed to the ocean
Meet Arnaud Jerald, freediver and world record holder in bi-fins at a depth of 108 meters, and newly appointed Pure Ocean ambassador.
Contact us :
communication@pure-ocean.org
Race for Pure Ocean – Underwater Marathon on World Ocean Day
World Ocean Day, initiated by the United Nations, takes place every year on June 8 to raise awareness among as many people as possible about the importance of protecting the ocean.
The ocean, the planet’s lungs, covers 70% of the Earth’s surface, yet we have scientific knowledge of only 10% of it—we must understand it better in order to protect it better.
It is a true treasure, home to an unparalleled diversity of living organisms and a valuable source of solutions, particularly through ocean research in the service of human health.
Essential to life and a key regulator of global balance, it is now under threat from human activity.
This year’s theme focuses on “innovation for a sustainable ocean,” closely aligned with Pure Ocean’s DNA, which puts “innovation at the service of the ocean.”
Organizing the Underwater Marathon on this day will obviously multiply its impact.
