Last January, a multidisciplinary team set sail off the coast of Reunion Island to conduct a species collection campaign at a depth of 1000 meters. Patrick Durville, scientific leader, shares with us this unprecedented adventure, discovering an ecosystem still largely unexplored.
A tumultuous crossing
The journey is long, and we are 20 km from the coast. The wind intensifies and the sea becomes rough, making the day difficult. We finally stop at the 1000-meter isobath, although it is difficult to confirm, as the depth sounder has already disconnected. The weather is splendid, offering a breathtaking view of Reunion, the Mafate Cirque, and the Piton des Neiges wrapped in mist. The first rays of the sun cast golden shadows, making the landscape beautiful, almost like a painting.
However, we must quickly get to work to immerse all the equipment before the trade winds blow too strongly.
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