Jean-Marc Sornin

ABYSSA SAS

ABYSSA's work involves exploring the ocean depths (up to 6000m) using Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) to carry out high-resolution seabed mapping. Mapping surveys performed for private or public sector clients provide technical and environmental data (bathymetry, seabed, currents, habitat and environmental sensitivity, geodiversity and biodiversity, etc.) for a wide range of applications (natural heritage inventory, industrial exploitation, pipe or cable submarine routing, wreck location, etc.). Given the current lack of knowledge, this data is essential for making informed decisions about sanctuarisation or exploitation conditions in these highly-sensitive environments. Exploration projects deploying AUVs therefore form ABYSSA's core activity. In addition to this operational component, ABYSSA also provides advice and data analysis services. Prior to launching any exploration, ABYSSA helps specify the needs and content of the exploration campaign. Together with our scientific team, we also carry out analysis and interpretation of the data collected. By deploying non-intrusive sensors (acoustic, physical, chemical, optical) installed on AUVs, ABYSSA carries out extensive deep-sea mapping for use as a decision support tool (with a view to sanctuarising or exploiting deep sea resources) and as a dimensioning tool for industrial projects (submarine cables, deep infrastructure, exploiting resources, etc.). ABYSSA has had the benefit of support from several institutions and organizations since we first set up the company, including: the French Maritime Cluster, Vice-Presidency of French Polynesia, the government of New Caledonia, General Secretariat for the Sea (SG Mer), French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, French Marine Industry Group (GICAN), TechnipFMC, Deep Sea Mining Alliance (DSMA), Ifremer, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (IPGP), Région Nouvelle Aquitaine and Bpifrance.