Meet Thierry Chopin: UNB professor and France's seaweed knight

You may call him Thierry Chopin, the chevalierof seaweed.

The expat Frenchman and current professor of biology at UNB,is being knighted by his native country for his extensive research about and passion forseaweed.

He'll soon receive histitle when he's awarded the Ordre du Mrite Maritime a distinction recognizingFrench merchant marines, naval personnel andcivilians all over the world who distinguish themselves in maritime activities.

• Knighted for seaweed and maritime passions

"It's a very interesting recognition," he said.

"France, where I was born, is recognizing that I have done all thiswork on both sides of the big pond," he said with a laugh.

Swimming in wine before the sea

Chopin was originally a seaweedecophysiologistand biochemist in Brittany, northwestern France, beforehe moved to Canada in 1989and became fascinated withaquaculture.

Now, part of his work includescultivating salmon and shellfish alongsideseaweed to create a balanced, and environmentally friendly, ecosystem management strategy for the fish farming industry.

His love for the sea started an an early age, he said, being born in wine country ofeastern France where he was"swimming in the Beaujolais wine before swimming in the sea."

He recalls vacationing with his family along thecoast of France. He said sailing the waters there gave him an appreciation of the sea and instilled his love ofthe Atlantic.

"What do I do?" he remembers thinking. "I wanted a profession where I can stay near the water."

And so marine biologybecame his calling. Now, after a lengthy career, he's being recognized for his passion and dedication to the field.

Ceremony in Moncton, Nov. 21

"It's not a medal that is given very often so it's a community of what in France people call Gens demer (seafaring people)," he said.

"What is the common link between all of us is this passion for the sea and the different way of being involved with the sea."

Chopin will be invested into the order by the ambassador of France to Canada in a ceremony in Moncton on Nov. 21.

Unfortunately there won't be a sword, valiant steed or any kneeling involved in the ceremony, he chuckled, but he does hopethere might beaseahorse to go with his new title.