An ambitious project to put the sea back at the heart of public policy
Announced by the French President, the Year of the Sea aims to raise awareness of maritime issues and promote sustainable ocean management. The French Minister of Ecological Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher reminded us of the significance of this initiative by declaring: " The Year of the Sea is above all a beginning. It is intended to give a new and lasting impetus to all our ocean-related actions, whether they concern our territorial sovereignty, our economic exchanges, the management of our resources, or the protection of our marine environments. Because the sea is more than just our future: it's our common good, vital to our country and to humanity as a whole. So, as we celebrate this year, let's make the sea the focus of our attention. "
A rich program to discover maritime issues
Among this year's highlights, the travelling village "La Mer en Tournée" offers an immersion into the maritime world through three themed areas:
- Generation Sea ocean Awareness: raising awareness of environmental issues related to the oceans,
- La Mer is hiring a showcase for careers and training in the maritime sector,
- La Mer à table the company's mission: to promote sustainable fishing and marine gastronomy.
This flagship event, which takes place at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie in Paris in February and at the Paris Book Festival in April, highlights the diversity of sea-related activities.
A strong focus on diplomacy and ocean protection
The Year of the Sea also has an international dimension, with the organization of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice in June 2025 . This major event will bring together the world's marine protection players and aim to reinforce commitments to preserving marine ecosystems and combating ocean pollution.
A real call to action
With over 130 "La Mer en Commun" events planned throughout France, this special year aims to mark a turning point in the way the French perceive and integrate maritime issues into their daily lives. Through conferences, exhibitions and sporting events, the aim is to strengthen maritime culture and encourage everyone to take action in favor of the sea.
Towards a stronger maritime policy?
The Year of the Sea is more than just a celebration. It lays the foundations for a more ambitious maritime policy, combining the blue economy, resource protection and stronger international cooperation. The question that remains is how long this commitment will last: will France be able to capitalize on this year to put the sea at the heart of its priorities for the long term?
