A Unique Family Life at Sea
What if your first steps were taken aboard a yacht in the Arctic? Not many children can say this, but Tom can. He spent much of his early years at sea. With his parents, Ghislain Bardout and Emmanuelle Périé-Bardout, he embraced a life of ocean exploration. This family is remarkable, deeply rooted in the water and the wonders of the deep.
The Bardouts founded Under The Pole, an initiative to document the ocean’s secrets. Together, they have explored the furthest reaches of our planet, from icy polar waters to vibrant tropical reefs. Tom and his older brother, Robin, have spent half their lives aboard their expedition schooner, ‘The Why.’ This yacht is not just a means of travel; it’s their home.
When the Bardouts are not exploring, they reside in Concarneau, a charming coastal town in Brittany, France. Their yacht becomes a hub for scientists and teachers during their sea missions. Yet, Emmanuelle reassures us that their life, despite the unique circumstances, is fairly normal. “We work like normal people and have kids at school,” she emphasizes. But is this really a typical life?
The Mystic Twilight Zone
The ocean is vast, covering nearly 70% of our planet. Amazingly, much remains unexplored. The twilight zone, stretching from 30 to 150 meters below the surface, is where Ghislain and Emmanuelle focus their efforts. This area is largely a mystery, with up to 91% of marine species unknown to science.
Yet, the ecosystems within are fragile, threatened by climate change and human activity. Rising sea temperatures lead to devastating bleaching events, while pollution and overfishing push marine life to the brink. The Bardouts understand this danger well. They believe that documenting the underwater world may help raise awareness and aid in preservation efforts.
“We go to places where nobody has been,” Emmanuelle says. “It gives us a huge responsibility.” Is it not awe-inspiring that one family can dedicate their lives to such a daunting task? Their commitment is not just about exploration; it’s about safeguarding the future for generations to come.
Exploring Mediterranean Marvels
Recently, the Bardouts shifted their focus to the Mediterranean. For the DeepLife program under the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, they embarked on missions searching for “marine animal forests.” These underwater ecosystems are rich, resembling terrestrial forests with unique microclimates supporting diverse life.
Though alluring, these deep forests face dire threats. Over the years, the Mediterranean has seen more frequent marine heatwaves, wreaking havoc on surface ecosystems. Bottom trawling, a damaging fishing technique, adds to the peril. “If you cut this habitat, all the other species will disappear,” Ghislain warns, painting a grim picture of future destruction.
Their team recently journeyed to Fourni, Greece, after spotting an underwater drone capturing images of a potential marine forest. Initially, they feared it was already destroyed, but to their relief, they found it intact. Inside this oasis lay a thriving ecosystem, replete with life.
Collecting Data for Change
Throughout their expedition, the family collected extensive data on every aspect of the ecosystem. They measured currents, evaluated acoustics, and documented marine life. This valuable information aims to provide insights into the health of these underwater forests, or what they call ‘twilight zone’ ecosystems.
Their findings will have a significant impact, scheduled for presentation at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in France. Their goal is clear: to prove the importance of protecting these areas and to influence legislative change against harmful fishing practices. Can you imagine the ripple effect of such meaningful research?
The Challenges of Deep Diving
Deep diving has transformed with technology over recent decades. Divers now use rebreathers, a tool originally designed for military use. These devices allow them to remain underwater for extended periods without bubbles disrupting the marine life. Ghislain mentions they complete between 300 and 400 dives in a typical mission.
Each dive can last between three to six hours. Just imagine this: while submerged at 100 meters, time flies. Focused work thrives in these depths, but physically, the toll can be immense. Emmanuelle shares that a single dive could cause them to lose about 5 kilograms. As they descend, the excitement builds, but so does the risk.
They’ve seen how child-rearing changes perspectives. After having kids, Emmanuelle feels more pressure to return home safe. “Sometimes we don’t dive at the same time,” she reveals. Yet, despite the dangers, their passion pushes them forward. Is there ever a moment when you second-guess your dreams?
Empowering the Next Generation
Robin and Tom, the Bardouts’ children, embody hope for the future. As they witness their parents’ heroic commitment to the underwater world, they also carry the weight of the challenges ahead. Growing up alongside remarkable underwater landscapes may change their understanding of the planet.
Ghislain recognizes the urgent need for awareness. He warns, “Humanity is destroying its environment, at sea, on land, everywhere.” Each dive, each mission not only teaches them about the ocean but also reinforces the reality of climate change. It’s a problem we all confront together.
Often, we find ourselves pondering the bigger issues of our world. Are we doing enough to protect our oceans? The Bardout family’s efforts shine a light on these critical themes and inspire action. In their oceans, they are not just explorers; they are protectors, engaged in a battle that extends beyond the horizon.
