Highly symbolic of the Oceanographic Institute’s missions, this centre, which will be inaugurated in 2019, is intended above all for marine turtles in difficulty. Built as an extension of the Museum, on the edge of the Saint-Martin gardens, it will to take in turtles found wounded or injured. but can also be used for projects to support Mediterranean biodiversity, such as future projects concerning seahorses or large mother-of-pearl.
Composed of a care clinic and a 160 m³ rehabilitation pond, its originality lies in the fact that a part located in the open air, is integrated into the visit of the Museum and allows visitors to observe the convalescing turtles.
The Museum’s teams have been caring for turtles found injured at sea for many years. The creation of the Care Centre provides a better capacity for intervention, in support of local services (maritime affairs, harbour master’s office, fire brigade, etc.) and in conjunction with the Mediterranean turtle care network, in partnership with the French Mediterranean Sea Turtle Network (RTMMF) and the Centre d’études et de sauvegarde des tortues marines de Méditerranée.