Services

The MET (La Tremblade Mollusc Experimental Platform) is situated in the Marennes-Oléron region, renowned for its oyster farming. The MET carries out experiments on pathology, genetics, ecophysiology, zootechnics, of

molluscs, phytoplankton culture and Recirculating Aquaculture System. The experimental area covers 1,200 m² and is dedicated to the production of genetic lines of several species of bivalves (mainly oysters and mussels)

The secured platform section consists of 390 tanks ranging from 8 to 800 L capacities distributed in 9 rooms dedicated to animal production and the conservation of selected strains or lines (quarantine area, broodstock conditioning, larval rearing, nursery, conservatory, phytoplankton production, experimental rooms). Each room is currently being equipped with close systems (in case of a pathogen outbreak outside the facilities) and individual temperature controllers for each tank (8 to 25°C), supplied with filtered UV-treated seawater.

The outside platform section consists of 130 tanks (130 L to 12 m3), tidal marshes (13400 yard2), five offshore leases (5000 yard2) and a phytoplankton production area (20 m3/day). The secured dry/wet lab section allows for conducting biometrics, cytogenetics, cytometry and experimental pathophysiology (L2). Sewage is contained in the waterproof tank before treatment.

MET is particularly suitable for pathophysiology and genetic experiments. MET is surrounded by two research labs dedicated to marine environmental and health studies (ca. 35 people) and include the national reference lab (NRL) for shellfish microbiology.

Bioresources available

Our secure marine bivalve farming facilities provide on-site access to several species of bivalves (mainly oysters and mussels). The entire life cycle of these species is also available, allowing experimental design with broodstock, larvae, spat and juveniles

Support offered

The TA user will be supported by the local IFREMER staff, and a local research scientist will be appointed as first contact person. The supporting staff will advise the TA users about the IFREMER regulations, the experimental set-up, zootechnical procedures and maintenance in compliance with animal experimentation laws and regulations, device utilisation and sample storage.

In addition, the administrative staff will assist in finding accommodation and transportation. The TA user will get access to a computer with internet access, scientific databases and local laboratories.

Modality of access

Modality of access cost is Combined costs. Preference will be given for TA user to be present on site during the experiments.

For longer experiments, the TA users should be present at the beginning and the end of the project for a minimum of 5 consecutive days. The TA user is responsible for the daily running of the experiment, coordination of the sampling and data analyses, in close relationship with local technical staff.

Units of access include technical assistance with tasks that cannot be performed by the TA user. For MET, TA is expected to last for at least 8 weeks for the secure/outside platform and 2 weeks for the secure laboratory section. For MET, the unit of access is m²/week.