Operation Natura Scan

The aim is to mobilise recreational boaters to compile, in a single day, a snapshot of the marine biodiversity found across the entire Natura 2000 site and up to its outer boundary.
Since the initiative began, participants have already recorded 159 sightings of marine megafauna, including 2 sperm whales, 2 fin whales, 7 sea turtles, 9 mobula rays, 6 sunfish, 2 swordfish, 12 tuna species and around a hundred striped dolphins. More than 100 items of floating litter have also been collected, categorised and incorporated into the programme’s data.
These results demonstrate the value of engaging marine users to improve scientific understanding of the marine environment whilst raising public awareness of its conservation.
For the 2026 edition, 35 boats are expected to cover the entire Natura 2000 site ‘Baie et cap d’Antibes – îles de Lérins’ and its surrounding areas simultaneously. Each crew will be assigned an observation sector and will receive prior training as well as an observer’s kit.
The initiative is open to volunteer recreational boaters from the Maralpin region who own a boat and wish to contribute to this participatory science project. Registration is now open.

Show less