In a convivial atmosphere, a large number of MIO staff and colleagues from IRD headquarters came together to wish Jean Blanchot an excellent retirement. Richard Sempéré began by recounting Jean's career as a researcher with ORSTOM and then the IRD, before recounting, with his usual verve and humour, a few anecdotes from his time at sea and his various postings, from New Caledonia to Madagascar and French Polynesia.
Jean is now going to cultivate his bees on his land in Aveyron.