Initiated in 2001, the BOUSSOLE Program aims at establishing a long-term series of bio-optical parameters. The acquisition of such a dataset makes it possible to calibrate the satellite observations of the color of the ocean, to validate the products which are derived from it (chlorophyll, reflectances, etc.) and to increase the fundamental knowledge in marine optics and bio-optics.

For these purposes, a mooring was installed in 2003 in the Ligurian Sea in the "DYFAMED" study area. It acquires bio-optical data continuously and at high frequency (1 minute of acquisition every 15 minutes).

Since 2001, monthly survey cruises are carried out on the mooring site with a dual objective of (1) checking the buoy's good operability and the good condition of the mooring and (2) carrying out a series of additional measurements that are needed either to interpret the continuous measurements taken on the mooring or to acquire additional parameters for marine optics studies. The supplementary measurements include: CTD profiles, HPLC pigments, absorption of phytoplankton, particles and dissolved matter, dry weight, upwelling and downward irradiances profiles, inherent optical properties profiles, atmospheric measurements (aerosols).