An accomplished underwater videographer, Didier Noirot has a noteworthy CV detailing 44 years behind the lens. Didier has worked with Jacques Cousteau, National Geographic, Disney Nature, John Jackson (La Bête du Natal), and Jacques Perrin (Ocean), among others, earning Emmy Awards for the BBC favorite, Blue Planet, and the documentary One Life. Passionate about the ocean and the marine life it supports, Didier dedicates his time and expertise as President and co-founder of the philanthropic ocean education organization, The Balthazar Project.
On October 18, 2006, the Astrolabe, an iconic 72-meter French icebreaker yacht, left the protected Tasmanian port of Hobart. It was a warm spring day in southeastern Australia. The destination for this important transport vessel was the French polar station of Dumont d’Urville in Terre Adélie located on the coastline of the Southern Ocean in Antarctica. Astrolabe carries up to 1,200 tons of cargo with accommodations for 60 personnel, regularly delivering supplies in spring and summer from Tasmania. That year, I embarked with three other companions for a three-month stay on the ice. The 1300-mile journey due south had just begun…
The nonprofit organization THE BALTHAZAR PROJECT, whose goal is not only to promote knowledge of marine species, but also and above all to show the most beautiful of the oceans through images, is looking for funds to finance its expedition in the Arctic regions.
The association has already benefited from significant support since a 57-foot Garcia sailboat has been made available to it. This sailboat requires improvements such as the replacement of a less polluting engine, the addition of new generation solar panels, as well as various interior fittings.