Oceanic Lives: When Animals and Humans Meet
In his forthcoming book Des vies océaniques. Quand des animaux et des humains se rencontrent (Le Seuil, mars 2025), Fabien Clouette—novelist, filmmaker, and anthropologist at the CNRS—presents four captivating biographies: those of You, Zafar, Kalon, and Gladis—a seal who played with surfers, a dolphin well-known to local fishermen, and orcas attacking yachts. By retracing the "personal" lives of these remarkable animals, he offers a unique narrative on our shared animality.
Joining him is Laurent Soulier, Scientific and Personnel Director of CAPENA – Bayonne Site, whose expertise lies at the intersection of veterinary science and marine biology. A long-standing contributor to the National Marine Mammal Stranding Network since 1992, his research into the interactions between human activities and natural environments brings a complementary perspective to the discussion on human–marine mammal encounters.*
The discussion will be moderated by Sandrine Trouvelot, a journalist specialising in environmental issues.
Together, they will explore how interspecies interactions have become increasingly common in marine environments, revealing new relationships and encouraging us to rethink our connection with the ocean—at a time when the balance of ecosystems has never been more fragile.
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At the end of the discussion, you will have the opportunity to ask questions. The event will be followed by a convivial gathering.
Fabien Clouette, CNRS researcher, writer, and filmmaker, brings a unique perspective shaped by his experiences at sea and his upbringing in Brittany. Regularly embarking on fishing vessels, he has made maritime anthropology his primary field of study, focusing on interactions between marine mammals and coastal societies. He has directed several documentaries with Jérémie Brugidou, and his three published novels are deeply influenced by cinematic storytelling. His latest work, Des vies océaniques. Quand des animaux et des humains se rencontrent, will be released in March by Éditions du Seuil.
Laurent Soulier is the Scientific and Personnel Director of CAPENA – Bayonne Site, and a member of the National Marine Mammal Stranding Network. With a dual background in veterinary medicine and life sciences, he spent ten years as Director of the Aquarium at the Musée de la Mer in Biarritz before taking the helm of the Institut des Milieux Aquatiques, which became CAPENA in 2021. His areas of expertise include the marine environment, the interactions between human activities and natural ecosystems, and the governance of protected areas. He is currently contributing to the Life Marha programme (marine habitats), coordinated by the French Office for Biodiversity. As part of this work, he is exploring the contribution of social sciences to the development of Natura 2000 marine management plans, in collaboration with the TVES laboratory at the University of Lille.
Sandrine Trouvelot is an experienced journalist who has worked for publications such as Capital and GÉO magazine, where she coordinated the GÉO Science special issues. She is now Editor-in-Chief of 2050NOW, a newsletter from the Les Échos-Le Parisien Group dedicated to the challenges of the ecological transition. This new online media outlet explores both the obstacles and the solutions involved in building a sustainable future.
Des vies océaniques. Quand des animaux et des humains se rencontrent explores the extraordinary destinies of four marine mammals—You, Zafar, Kalon, and Gladis—whose lives have intertwined with those of humans. Through these compelling biographies, the book questions the boundary between instinct and individuality, while addressing the ecological and ethical implications of such interactions. A captivating reflection on our relationship with wild animals and the challenges of conservation in a changing world.
→ To be published on 14 March 2025 at Éditions du Seuil
Cycle "Oceans: common heritage, shared challenges"
*The discussion will be conducted in French*
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Tuesday 15, May 2025
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
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FMSH - Le Comptoir
54 boulevard Raspail
Paris 6
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