Family Sails the Seas, Exploring the Ocean Depths
Sailing into the Unknown: Family documents Earth’s Unexplored Ocean Depths
Concarneau, France – Not many children get to explore the northwestern reaches of the Arctic Ocean aboard a sailing vessel. but Tom can. He’s spent three out of his first four years at sea.
Tom and his sister Robin, now 8 and 12 respectively, have spent roughly half their lives aboard their family’s expedition schooner, ”The Why.” The Bardout family,driven by a passion for exploration and a desire to document the Earth’s hidden wonders,has traversed some of the planet’s most remote regions,from icy polar landscapes to vibrant tropical reefs.
Their mission: to shed light on the mesopelagic zone, also known as the “twilight zone,” a mysterious realm located between 30 and 150 meters below the surface. This largely unexplored area teems with life, yet remains shrouded in darkness and scientific enigma.
“We wanted a family, but we didn’t want to give up our expeditions,” says Emmanuelle Bardout, Tom and Robin’s mother. “So we found a way to work and live together.”
When not sailing the high seas, the Bardouts call the charming coastal town of Concarneau, in Brittany, France, their home. Aboard “The Why,” their 18-meter vessel becomes a floating home for a close-knit crew of around 10, including scientists, a doctor, a chef, and a teacher.
Life aboard ”The why” might potentially be unconventional, but the Bardouts maintain a sense of normalcy. “We work like regular people and the children attend school,” Emmanuelle explains.
But few families experience the world quite like the Bardouts. Their work takes them to the very edge of human exploration, revealing the hidden beauty and fragility of the ocean depths.
Despite covering 70% of our planet, the ocean remains one of the least explored and understood ecosystems on Earth. Less than 30% of the global seafloor has been mapped in detail, and scientists estimate that up to 91% of marine species remain undiscovered.
The Bardout family aboard their schooner, ’The Why’. (Photo: CNN)
The Bardouts believe that by documenting the wonders of the mesopelagic zone, they can raise awareness about the threats facing this fragile ecosystem. Rising sea temperatures, leading to coral bleaching, pollution, and overfishing are putting immense pressure on marine life.
Through their expeditions and captivating imagery, the Bardouts hope to inspire a deeper understanding and recognition for the ocean, encouraging efforts to protect and preserve this vital part of our planet for generations to come.
Sailing into the unknown: A Family’s quest to Document Earth’s Unexplored Depths
NewsDirectory3 reached out to marine biologist Dr. Sarah Mitchell to discuss the Bardout family’s unique mission.
ND3: Dr.Mitchell, the Bardouts are documenting the mesopelagic zone, an area largely unknown to science. Why is this exploration so crucial?
Dr. Mitchell: The mesopelagic zone, often called the “twilight zone,” is crucial to the health of our oceans. It’s a vast, largely unexplored realm teeming with life, playing a vital role in the global carbon cycle. By studying this zone, we can better understand its delicate balance and the potential impact of climate change and other human activities.
ND3: The Bardouts are traveling with children. What are the benefits of involving a younger generation in this type of exploration?
Dr. Mitchell: Exposing children to the wonders of the ocean at a young age fosters a sense of wonder and responsibility for the marine habitat. the bardouts’ approach is truly remarkable. By experiencing firsthand the challenges and beauty of ocean exploration, Tom and Robin are developing a deep understanding and thankfulness for the ocean that will stay with them throughout their lives.
ND3: What message do you think the Bardouts are sending to the world through their expeditions?
Dr.Mitchell: the Bardouts are demonstrating that scientific exploration can be a family affair.They are showing us that even with limited resources, individuals can make a significant contribution to our understanding of the natural world. Their work is a powerful reminder of the importance of curiosity, exploration, and environmental stewardship.