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Objectives of the Selune observatory

The construction of a dam hinders the circulation of water, sediment and aquatic and riparian organisms, thereby significantly altering ecosystems. Conversely, its removal should restore their natural functioning by re-establishing ecological continuity between the source, the estuary and the ocean.

To monitor the restoration of continuity on the Selune, our scientific teams have set up an environmental data observatory: The Selune observatory. This will enable us to measure the dynamics involved in restoring water, sediment, chemical and biological fluxes.

The Selune observatory reports on the dynamics of various environmental parameters linked to:

Abiotic conditions

Our teams are characterising the hydrological, fine and coarse sediment and chemical fluxes along the Selune river. The aim is to measure and understand how these fluxess and their dynamics are affected by the presence of the dams (2014-2017 period), the emptying works (since 2017), the removal of the dams (2019-2022) and the restoration of continuity (from 2022).

Aquatic, riparian and terrestrial biocenoses

The aim is to characterise the demography and expansion of migratory fish populations, estuarine communities, invasive species such as crayfish and riparian vegetation (vegetation on the banks). This will allow identifying changes in the ecological status of the watercourse, based in particular on bio-indicator species such as communities of benthic macro-invertebrates, photosynthetic biofilms and macrophytes.

To learn more about the observatory's monitoring activities, see the articles at the bottom of the page.

Organisation of the Selune observatory

The Sélune Observatory is the result of a collective effort. Scientists from various research institutes (INRAE, CNRS, MNHN, Ifremer, Institut Agro Rennes) are working together to carry out the monitoring.

The environmental monitoring is managed by :

• The mixed research unit SAS, for abiotic conditions
• The experimental unit U3E, for aquatic riparian and terrestrial biocenoses

Where can I get data from the observatory?

Data from the Sélune observatory are made available through SISélune, the scientific program's information system. Find out more about SISélune...