France, May 18 -- The French research vessel Tara is sailing the French coast to push for stronger ocean protections ahead of next month's United Nations summit in Nice. The schooner left Brittany in March and is stopping in ports around the country to raise awareness about climate change, pollution and threats to marine life- key themes of the UN event.

The third United Nations Ocean Conference(UNOC3) - taking place from 9-13 June and co-hosted by France and Costa Rica- aims to speed up global action on ocean conservation.

In the lead-up, the Tara Ocean Foundationlaunched a public outreach mission aboard its schooner to engage citizens, scientists and policymakers on urgent marine issues.

Founded in 2003, the foundation has carried ou...