SAPMER : signed a partnership with Météo-France

PRESS RELEASE

Reunion Island, 01 June 2017

Sapmer signed a partnership with Météo-France At the beginning of the year, SAPMER signed two collaboration agreements with Météo-France. In the first agreement, SAPMER undertakes to carry out the deployment of drifting buoys. The 2ndagreement allows the installation of a meteorological observation station - MERCURY on board the longliner ship ALBIUS. 1stagreement SAPMER/Météo-France

The objective of this collaboration is to study the ocean, thanks to the set-up of drifting buoys under the supervision of the meteorological marine center of Météo-France based in Brest (France). The data collected will feed the needs of the world's meteorological watch.

The deployment at sea of drifting buoys on the course of SAPMER's ships fitted-out on behalf of Météo-France is part of the 'Data Buoy Cooperation Panel' (DBCP), an international program that coordinates the use of autonomous buoys for the observation of the atmospheric conditions at sea, action that is followed by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO.

The benefits regarding the knowledge acquired with the deployment of these buoys are numerous:

• Atmospheric pressure

• Sea temperature

• Marine currents

• Sea conditions (wind and wave)

  The gathering of data from the unfrequented and seldom studied Antarctic seas will contribute to the improvement:

• Weather forecast

• Ships routing

• Marine safety

• Follow drifting objects which went overboard.

• Reducing the environmental impact of marine operations

• Monitoring climate change

  SAPMER is the first French fishing company to commit to such a partnership with Météo- France. 2ndagreement SAPMER/Météo-France - Antenne Réunion

  This second agreement defines the modalities for carrying out meteorological observations (MERCURY) on board SAPMER ship ALBIUS. The objective being to collect meteorological observation data which will then be forwarded to the international meteorological services as part of the VOS program (Voluntary Observing Ship) of the WWO (World Meteorological Organisation).

  The on-board crew will be trained to the techniques to be used for meteorological observations according to the rules in place. The purpose of this data collection is to 'assist navigation'.

  This agreement is part of the 'international agreement for the safety of human life at sea' to which France is a signatory and which has an important meteorological component. SAPMER is therefore proud to participate in the improvement of the safety of seafarers through these two agreements.

  These two agreements reinforce SAPMER's involvement in environmental, economic and social matters at a regional and national level. SAPMER, committed to better quality fishing since 1947, operates in the waters of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF) and the Indian Ocean and offers, in the greatest respect of the marine environment, amongst the noblest species, natural sea products of premium quality.

  Contacts

  SAPMER

  Communication Department - T: [phone] [e-mail]

  About SAPMER -www.sapmer.com

  SAPMER is the historical deep-sea fishing operator in the waters of the French Southern and Antarctic Territories (TAAF) based on the island of Reunion. Founded in 1947, SAPMER now operates a wholly-owned fleet of four freezer-longliners for Patagonian Toothfish and a Freezer pot Lobster vessel for Rock Lobster and nine tuna purse seiners (on board -40°C deep freeze) for its tuna fishing activity (Yellowfin and Skipjack) in the Indian Ocean.

  SAPMER is committed to a responsible and sustainable approach with its Dolphin Safe membership and its Friend of the Sea, IFS/BRS and FAD-Free certifications.

  SAPMER is certified MSC for its Toothfish fishing at Kerguelen and at Crozet.

  Positioned on strong valued niche activities, SAPMER is dividing its activities into two categories:

• A fishing activity which includes Toothfish and Rock Lobster sales fished in the Southern Seas (Economic Zones of the French Southern and Antarctic Territories - TAAF) and whole tuna sales (Yellowfin and Skipjack) fished in the Indian Ocean.

• A value-enhancing and processing activity (sashimi loins, steaks…) based on a well-managed tuna fishery. SAPMER is listed on Alternext Paris - ISIN code FR0010776617 - ALMER