Andromède Océanologie

What Andromède Océanologie does

Andromède Océanologie is a privately held French marine biology research and consultancy firm, structured as a SAS with €50,000 share capital and headquartered in Mauguio (Carnon Plage). Founded around 2010 by marine photographer and biologist Laurent Ballesta, the firm combines deep-sea scientific expeditions (the Gombessa series, six expeditions to date) with operational marine monitoring, ecological restoration, and documentary production. Its core offerings include ecological surveys, ecological compensation consulting under the French ERC sequence, and species transplantation services using a proprietary Posidonia oceanica transplantation method (SAFEBENT) with documented >70% survival at T+2 years.

The firm's technology stack spans environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis conducted in partnership with SPYGEN, acoustic telemetry micro-cartography achieving 1/50th mapping precision, underwater photogrammetry, and machine-learning classification of Sentinel-2 satellite imagery to map 19,020 km² of seagrass across 22 Mediterranean countries. The MEDTRIX web platform aggregates 32 monitoring networks (including the TEMPO seagrass and RECOR reef networks) from approximately 20 institutional partners, reaching 5,000 users by May 2026; the DONIA mobile application is described as a marine navigation and habitat-aware anchorage tool. The company also operates the REPIC Posidonia restoration program (2,000 m² restored 2019-2023 at 80% survival) and the IMPACT anthropic-pressure mapping programme covering 14 pressure types.

Revenue is generated through government and public-agency monitoring contracts (anchored by the Agence de l'eau Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse and Office Français de la Biodiversité), ecological compensation and restoration services for coastal construction clients, research collaborations and grants with institutions such as Université de Montpellier, MARBEC, EPHE-PSL, and CNRS, and documentary co-productions with ARTE and National Geographic. The firm sells to a concentration of Mediterranean public agencies, marine protected area authorities, research institutions, and coastal developers, monetizing through direct enterprise sales and public procurement rather than transaction-based distribution channels.

Name

Andromède Océanologie

Legal name

Andromède Océanologie

Website

https://andromede-ocean.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Andromède Océanologie is a French marine science consultancy that conducts deep-sea expeditions, manages Mediterranean marine monitoring networks (Medtrix platform, 32 networks), and provides ecological compensation, Posidonia restoration, and eDNA-based biodiversity services to government agencies, research institutions, and coastal developers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Mauguio

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government & Public Agency Contracts: Ecological surveys, monitoring networks, and environmental studies commissioned by the Agence de l'eau Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse and other public bodies. Andromède has managed multiple surveillance networks for approximately 10 years, including the TEMPO (Posidonia seagrass) and RECOR (coralligenous reefs) biological monitoring networks.
2. Ecological Compensation & Restoration Services: Consulting and operational services for ecological compensation (ERC sequence), marine species transplantation (Posidonia, gorgonians, corals), and ecological restoration projects for coastal development and maritime construction projects.
3. Documentary & Media Production: Expedition-based documentary production for ARTE and National Geographic channels. Each Gombessa expedition generates productions for these outlets. '700 requins dans la nuit' received 70+ international awards and was selected for the Emmy Awards.
4. Research Collaborations & Grants: Collaborative research projects with universities (Université de Montpellier), CNRS-affiliated labs (MARBEC, CEFE), and international foundations, including the ANGE project on angel sharks in Corsica supported by Blancpain, Prince Albert II de Monaco Foundation, and the French Biodiversity Office.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Andromède Océanologie conducts marine ecological surveys, biological monitoring, and ecosystem restoration for Mediterranean coastal waters, primarily under contract with the Agence de l'eau Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse and other public bodies. It operates proprietary platforms including the MEDTRIX surveillance data platform (32 monitoring networks) and the DONIA marine navigation app, runs the Gombessa deep-diving scientific expedition series producing documentary content for ARTE and National Geographic, and delivers specialized services such as eDNA analysis (with SPYGEN), Posidonia oceanica restoration via the REPIC programme and SAFEBENT transplantation method, anthropic pressure mapping via IMPACT, and ecological compensation calculations under the French Biodiversity Law.

Product overview

Andromède Océanologie is a French marine biology research and consultancy company that operates as a multi-product organization combining scientific research expeditions, marine monitoring platforms, and ecological engineering services. Its core products include the DONIA marine cartography application (described as 'the Waze of the sea'), the Medtrix marine surveillance data platform (aggregating 32 monitoring networks for the Agence de l'eau), and the Gombessa scientific expedition series (six major expeditions producing books, documentaries, and conferences for public outreach). Supporting these, the company offers specialized monitoring modules including the IMPACT programme (anthropic pressure mapping), TEMPO (Posidonia meadow monitoring), and RECOR (coralligenous reef monitoring) networks accessible through Medtrix. Its technical services span ecological surveys, acoustic telemetry and photogrammetry-based cartography, Posidonia restoration (REPIC programme), species transplantation (using the proprietary SAFEBENT method), and ecological compensation calculations under the ERC sequence. The company also contributes to academic publications, conference presentations, and a University Diploma (DU) on coastal marine restoration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Gombessa Expeditions: Series of scientific deep-sea diving expeditions exploring marine biodiversity, primarily in the Mediterranean twilight zone beyond 100m depth
• DONIA
• MEDTRIX
• REPIC

Products and services

• MEDTRIX Platform Web-based marine surveillance data platform co-developed with the Agence de l'eau Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse, aggregating 32 monitoring networks from approximately 20 partner organizations across the French Mediterranean coast. Provides free access to high-resolution spatial data, ecological quality indicators, anthropic pressure data, biological and acoustic information for scientists, managers, technical agents, and Mediterranean enthusiasts (5,000+ users by May 2026).
• DONIA Marine Cartography and Navigation Application Marine mobile application described as "the Waze of the sea" that provides geospatial information for maritime navigation and marine habitat mapping to help boaters avoid sensitive areas such as Posidonia oceanica meadows when anchoring. Available via app stores and brand site donia.fr.
• Gombessa Expeditions Scientific expedition series combining exploration of marine biodiversity, extreme deep-sea diving challenges, scientific publications, and high-profile documentary production for general public outreach via ARTE, National Geographic, and Festival Photo La Gacilly exhibitions.
• IMPACT Programme Fine-scale mapping programme for anthropic pressures and associated environmental impacts on Mediterranean coastal waters, with data distributed via the MEDTRIX platform.
• REPIC Programme (Marine Restoration from Anchoring) Posidonia oceanica restoration programme involving collection, stapling, and replanting of fragments damaged by boat anchoring, supported by monitoring and partner foundations (MAIF, Fondation de la Mer, Fondation Artelia, NAOS Global, en_immersion_eau).
• TEMPO Biological Monitoring Network Surveillance network for the biological monitoring of Posidonia seagrass meadows across the French Mediterranean coast, providing scientific data for the Agence de l'eau and accessible via the MEDTRIX platform.
• RECOR Biological Monitoring Network Surveillance network for the biological monitoring of coralligenous reef ecosystems across the French Mediterranean coast, accessible via the MEDTRIX platform.
• Ecological Survey Services Service offering for ecological state assessment of coastal marine ecosystems through biological quality elements, hydromorphological and physico-chemical parameters, using methods including acoustic telemetry, photographic quadrats, photogrammetry, and 360° cameras for institutional clients and coastal developers.
• Ecological Compensation Services (ERC Sequence) Consulting service applying the Avoid–Reduce–Compensate (ERC) sequence mandated by French biodiversity law, using a UMAM-derived operational equivalence calculation and a complete panel of measures adapted to maritime construction projects for permit compliance.
• Ecological Restoration Services Service offering for restoration of damaged or destroyed marine ecosystems, including site cleaning, invasive species eradication, species transplantation, and artificial habitat introduction, with reference projects such as coralligenous reef unveiling at Cap-Ferrat and Posidonia transplantation.
• Species Transplantation Services (Posidonia, gorgonians, corals) Operational service for the transplantation of protected marine species, including marine phanerogams (Posidonia oceanica) and various gorgonians and corals, with Andromède having conducted the three main Posidonia transplantation and replanting projects in France and Monaco.
• Environmental DNA (eDNA) Analysis Services Biodiversity detection and monitoring service using environmental DNA sampling and analysis in partnership with SPYGEN, with reference database coverage of 75%+ of genomes for 600 Mediterranean fish species, deployed for species detection, biodiversity mapping, and invasive species monitoring.

Quantifiable outcome

• 80% survival rate for Posidonia transplanted fragments via REPIC programme
• +9 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• AFD – Agence Française de DéveloppementminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Lead partner of the ARCHIPEL Pavilion at UNOC3 (United Nations Ocean Conference 3) in Nice, June 2025. Andromède participated in this collective initiative to highlight ocean conservation actions and the Gombessa expeditions.
• Fondation ELYXminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partner in the ARCHIPEL Pavilion at UNOC3 alongside AFD and the Bullukian Foundation, contributing to an immersive artistic installation and collective ocean advocacy programming.
• Fondation BullukianminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Co-organizer of the ARCHIPEL Pavilion at UNOC3 (Nice, June 2025), under the auspices of the Bullukian Foundation, focused on ocean conservation and mobilization.
• L'Œil d'AndromèdecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Associated organization (association) co-organizing the annual MEDTRIX colloquium alongside Andromède Océanologie, Université de Montpellier, and the Agence de l'eau. Contributes to public outreach and scientific communication.
• Office Français de la Biodiversité (OFB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Supporting partner of the ANGE project. OFB is the French government body responsible for biodiversity conservation, which also commissions Andromède for various marine monitoring and conservation initiatives.
• Parc naturel marin du Cap Corse et de l'AgriatecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Marine protected area authority collaborating on the ANGE project. Andromède conducts scientific expeditions and monitoring within the park's jurisdiction. Educational marine areas (AMEs) managed by the park receive educational materials from the project.
• Bastia Offshore FishingminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Recreational fishing association contributing to the ANGE project through catch-mark-recapture data for angel sharks, complementing Andromède's scientific tagging efforts.
• Seaowl France / Marine nationale françaiseminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021The French Navy vessel 'Pionnier', operated by Seaowl France and chartered for the Gombessa 6 expedition (July 2021), provided the platform for full-depth CTD profiling operations off the Corsican coast.
• Agence de l'eau Rhône-Méditerranée-CorsecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary institutional partner and funding body. Andromède manages multiple marine monitoring networks (TEMPO, RECOR) on behalf of the agency and co-developed the MEDTRIX data platform. The agency also supports eDNA monitoring at 120 coastal sites and co-publishes the Cahiers de Surveillance series.
• SPYGENcoreTechnology or IntegrationSpecialized environmental DNA analysis company. Andromède collaborates with SPYGEN on eDNA surveys for species detection, biodiversity mapping, and marine monitoring. SPYGEN conducts the DNA sequencing and reference database matching, while Andromède provides field sampling and contextual ecological expertise.
• MARBEC (UMR MARine Biodiversity, Exploitation and Conservation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint research laboratory (CNRS/Université de Montpellier/IFREMER/IRD). Andromède partners with MARBEC on multiple expeditions and research projects including Gombessa 6, environmental DNA studies, and doctoral programmes. David Mouillot (MARBEC) is a key research collaborator.
• EPHE – PSL (École Pratique des Hautes Études)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner in the 2026 Global Change Biology study on fish community homogenization in Mediterranean harbors, combining Andromède's field expertise with EPHE's research capabilities.
• Université de MontpelliercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey academic partner for joint research, doctoral supervision (including Thomas Bockel's ANR-funded PhD), and the Medtrix platform. Co-organizer of the annual Medtrix colloquium. Partner in the IPOCOM and PIAF eDNA projects.
• CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner under CNRS-affiliated laboratories including MARBEC and CEFE. Andromède collaborates with CNRS researchers on environmental DNA studies, biodiversity indicators, and ecological monitoring methodologies.
• ARTEcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEuropean TV channel (France-Germany) and primary broadcasting partner for Gombessa expedition documentaries including 'Planète Méditerranée' and 'Cap Corse, le mystère des anneaux'. Provides distribution to a wide European audience.
• National GeographiccoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational media partner for Gombessa expedition documentaries. '700 requins dans la nuit' and other films distributed via National Geographic's global network. Laurent Ballesta featured in National Geographic Magazine (USA, February 2025) for the Cap Corse mystery story.
• Océanopolis BrestminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for the documentary 'Au royaume du nautile' (deep diving expedition to New Caledonia), combining Andromède's expedition capabilities with Océanopolis' public outreach mission.
• Mediterranean Posidonia NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational Mediterranean specialist network focused on Posidonia oceanica conservation. Andromède participated in the 2025 gathering (May 5-9) where specialists from all Mediterranean countries committed to protecting 100% of Posidonia by 2030.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Coral Vita: Commercial coral restoration company using accelerated coral growth techniques, focused on reef restoration and ecosystem recovery. Comparable to Andromède in marine ecosystem restoration ambition but operates in tropical coral contexts rather than Mediterranean seagrass.

Broad incumbents

• Egis: Major French engineering group with a sizeable environment and water practice covering ecological surveys, environmental impact assessments, and ecological compensation for infrastructure projects. Competes with Andromède for maritime/coastal construction compensation mandates at significantly larger scale.
• WSP: Global engineering professional services firm with a substantial environment and marine ecology practice acquired through WSP's purchase of Wood Group's environment business. Competes broadly with Andromède on coastal ecological compensation, marine surveys, and biodiversity consulting worldwide.
• Biotope: One of the largest French independent ecology and biodiversity consultancies, with broad terrestrial and aquatic expertise including marine/coastal ecology. Operates at significantly larger scale than Andromède across multiple ecosystem types, and is a credible competitor for ecological compensation and monitoring contracts.
• IFREMER: French public research institute dedicated to ocean science, operating nationwide marine monitoring programmes and collaborating on restoration research. Acts as both a research partner and a competitor to Andromède for surveillance-network contracts and methodological authority in marine ecology.

Direct peers

• TBM environnement: French environmental consultancy specialized in marine and coastal ecology, port and maritime environmental studies, and ecological monitoring in the Mediterranean. Closely aligned with Andromède on coastal ecological surveys and Mediterranean client base.
• ACRI-HE: French environmental consultancy specialized in coastal and marine ecology, hydrodynamic modeling, and environmental impact assessments. Comparable service mix to Andromède, with overlapping client base among French water agencies and coastal developers.
• Créocéan: French marine and coastal environmental consultancy based in La Rochelle, offering ecological surveys, environmental impact assessments, marine resource management and restoration services. Directly comparable to Andromède in geography (France) and service portfolio (marine ecological surveys, environmental consulting for coastal development).

Others

• MedPAN: Mediterranean Protected Areas Network, the principal network of Mediterranean marine protected area managers. Both a key partner ecosystem for Andromède's MPA monitoring work and an adjacent organization that channels funding and specifications for the monitoring services Andromède provides.
• EMODnet: European Marine Observation and Data Network, the EU's flagship marine data infrastructure aggregating pan-European marine datasets. Functions as a complementary data platform to MEDTRIX and a potential partner or competitor for institutional marine data distribution in Europe.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/page.andromede
• Instagraminstagram.com/andromede_oceanologie
• Xx.com/AndromedeOcean
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/andromede-oceanologie

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Andromède Océanologie