Description
BLOOM is a French non-profit association (loi 1901) founded in 2005 by Claire Nouvian. It is dedicated to protecting the ocean, marine biodiversity, marine habitats and the climate. It works to build a sustainable, respectful relationship between humans and the sea.
BLOOM describes the state of the oceans as overexploited, polluted and devastated by destructive fishing methods. It works to counter the political and economic power of industrial fishing interests. It concentrates on three priorities: preserving marine ecosystems and biodiversity, supporting job creation through small scale, artisanal fishing, and ending the misallocation of French and European public fishing subsidies, which it says are captured by the industrial fishing lobby.
Its work rests on three linked strands of action. First, independent scientific research, carried out partly through its own research institute and published in international scientific journals. Second, public education, through talks, courses, exhibitions and media outreach, so people can make informed choices. Third, political intervention, including advocacy toward elected officials, participation in public consultations, citizen mobilization and legal action.
About a third of BLOOM’s staff are researchers or experts. The organization relies mainly on paid staff rather than volunteers, citing the technical and sensitive nature of its work. It is funded through individual donations, membership fees and support from partner foundations, and it operates from an office in Paris. The organization is led by its founder, Claire Nouvian, as director general.