The Bardout family is based in Concarneau, a small coastal town in Brittany, northwestern France when on land. Their home at sea is an 18-meter-long yacht shared with around 10 other people, including scientists, doctors, a cook, and a teacher. Despite their unique lifestyle, Emmanuelle emphasizes that they maintain a normal routine, working and educating their children like any other family.
The Bardouts’ work is far from ordinary, as they explore the depths of the ocean, a realm that remains largely unexplored and mysterious. With less than 30% of the global seafloor mapped in detail and up to 91% of marine species still unknown to science, their expeditions aim to shed light on the hidden treasures of the underwater world.
Their adventures have taken them to various locations, including the Mediterranean Sea where they searched for marine animal forests as part of the DeepLife program under the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative. These ecosystems, similar to terrestrial forests, are home to diverse marine life such as sponges and corals, creating a rich sanctuary for a multitude of species.
The Bardouts are dedicated to studying and documenting these fragile ecosystems, raising awareness of the threats they face from climate change, pollution, and overfishing. By exploring untouched territories and uncovering hidden marine treasures, they hope to inspire conservation efforts and contribute to the recovery of these threatened habitats.
Their recent expedition to Fourni, Greece, yielded a remarkable discovery of a thriving marine animal forest at a depth of about 100 meters. This rich ecosystem serves as an oasis of life, showcasing the interconnected web of species that rely on these deep-sea habitats for survival. Through their work, the Bardouts aim to showcase these underwater wonders and highlight the importance of protecting our oceans for future generations.
Upon conducting exhaustive research on the ocean’s delicate ecosystem, a dedicated team has embarked on a mission to shed light on the importance of preserving these underwater realms. Their findings, set to be unveiled at the United Nations Ocean Conference in France in June 2025, aim to trigger action from governments worldwide to safeguard these vital marine habitats from detrimental fishing practices.
The team’s foray into the depths of the ocean’s twilight zone represents a technological leap that has only recently become feasible. Utilizing specialized rebreathers, originally developed for military use, divers can delve deeper into the ocean for extended periods, minimizing disturbances to marine life by eschewing traditional scuba tanks. This innovative approach has enabled the team to complete hundreds of meticulously planned dives, lasting up to six hours each, as part of their rigorous six to seven-month-long expeditions.
The physically demanding nature of these deep-sea dives is not underestimated by the team members. Weight loss, decompression sickness, and pulmonary overinflation syndrome are among the risks they face as they navigate the challenging underwater terrain in pursuit of critical data to support their cause. Despite these hazards, their unwavering dedication to their mission is unwavering, spurred by a shared vision of safeguarding the oceans for future generations.
Embodying a spirit of exploration reminiscent of legendary figures like Jacques Cousteau, these modern-day ocean advocates are paving the way for a new era of marine conservation. Their tireless efforts to raise awareness about the perils of climate change and environmental degradation serve as a clarion call for urgent action to protect our planet for posterity.
The Bardout family, at the helm of this ambitious endeavor, exemplifies a generational commitment to environmental stewardship. From diving alongside dolphins in the azure waters of French Polynesia to confronting the stark realities of a planet in peril, their journey epitomizes the intersection of passion, purpose, and parental responsibility. With a keen eye on the future, they navigate the depths of the ocean not just as explorers but as custodians of a fragile ecosystem on the brink of irrevocable change.
As the countdown to the United Nations Ocean Conference in 2025 draws near, the Bardout team stands poised to present their groundbreaking research, a testament to the power of human ingenuity and perseverance in the face of environmental challenges. Their message resonates beyond scientific circles, urging global leaders and citizens alike to heed the call of the ocean and take decisive action to preserve our planet’s most precious resource.
In a world where the fate of our oceans hangs in the balance, the Bardout family’s odyssey serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating a path towards a more sustainable future for generations to come. Their story is not just one of exploration and discovery but of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding the wonders of the deep blue sea for all humankind.
