Alicia Veuillot

Alicia Veuillot Colonisation processes at the periphery of hydrothermal vents: zones that are potentially targeted for their mineral resources or Study of fauna who lives at and near hydrothermal site and potentially endangered by the mining exploitation

Alicia is studying the fauna at and near hydrothermal vents, along a hydrothermal activity gradient. She wants to know how it settled in and by which way. To answer those questions, artificial substrata were used. Substrata are materials that are deployed and placed on the seabed. There are two types : the organic (wood, cow bone) and the inorganic (slate, synthetic sponge).

Those artificial substrata imitate the coral reef already in the coastal environment to recreate them in the seabed. Alicia studies which type of organisms will install and live on the substrata. This will help to expect the consequences of mining exploitation and find a way to move and restore those ecosystems.

Why this subject ?

Alicia always wanted to work on the abyss (deep-sea ecosystems). Moreover, the deep sea mining being an increasingly topical issue, it was important for Alicia to play her part to expect consequences and their ins and outs. Why do the mining magnates want to exploit the seabed ? How can we try to collaborate with them? Alicia is trying to understand every points of view. Beside, her theseis is quite complete, which allows her to work with a microscope, realise taxonomy (study of organisms), molecular biology...

A funny story related to this subject ?

During her thesis, Alicia was a part of the oceanic campaign BICOSE 3. After her first dive with the Nautile she had « 1st dive baptism ». With some Johnny Hallyday music playing, Alicia was dressed as "Miss Benthos." Then, she was covered with sediments from core sampling. Finally, her co-director of her thesis and mission chief, Marie-Anne Cambon, sprayed her with cold water as a new submarine diver!