Searching for living fossils

In the fascinating world of science, filled with endless discoveries, the depths of the oceans hide secrets that scientists strive to uncover before it’s too late. Among them is Laurent Ballesta, a photographer and marine biologist, who risks his life to document these extraordinary deep-sea inhabitants. His work contributes to the protection of these endangered species and also provides us with invaluable information about the history of life on Earth.

In 2010, Ballesta and three friends dived in Sodwana Bay, near the east coast of South Africa. Equipped with heavy photographic equipment, they encountered a creature many believed had gone extinct with the dinosaurs—the coelacanth. This encounter not only became a historic moment but also reignited the fascination of scientists and nature lovers worldwide.

Diving in this region and at such depths is exceptionally challenging due to strong waves, currents, and prevalent sharks—Ballesta explains. He also mentions that death is very real here. Others have lost their lives trying to photograph this elusive fish. Since childhood, Ballesta dreamed of pushing the boundaries of oceanic exploration. He always wanted to dive deeper, longer, and conduct research. This passion led him to become a marine biologist, explorer, pioneer in deep-sea diving, and an award-winning underwater photographer.

Coelacanths, often referred to as living fossils, are in reality evolving creatures that have survived millions of years in almost unchanged form. Once common on every continent, today these mysterious fish inhabit deep, steep underwater slopes and submarine caves, hiding from the world at depths of up to 500 meters.

The youngest known coelacanth fossil is 66 million years old, which led scientists to assume that these creatures had long been extinct. The discovery of coelacanths in 1938 forever changed scientists’ understanding of marine life history. Their unique structure—strong, fleshy fins resembling limbs—indicates their close kinship with tetrapods, which include all land-dwelling vertebrates, including humans.

Laurent Ballesta, besides his passion for diving, is also an advanced underwater photographer. Using modern technologies, such as rebreathers that allow for longer underwater stays, he has managed to capture the unique behaviors and living environments of these fascinating fish. His photos not only document but also tell a story of survival and evolution.

It’s important to note the significance of protecting deep-sea ecosystems, which are vulnerable to various threats. Ballesta’s photographs not only raise awareness of the existence of these mysterious creatures but also show their delicacy and sensitivity to environmental changes. His work reminds us that the deep sea is not just a remote and unknown area but also a crucial part of our global ecosystem.

The quest to discover and understand these mysterious depths is not just a matter of scientific interest but also a key component in the effort to protect our planet. Ballesta’s example shows how an individual with passion and determination can influence our perception and behavior toward nature.

According to Ballesta, every time he dives into the unknown, he pushes the limits of his capabilities. Laurent and his team, by risking their lives, not only contribute to science but also inspire us to seek answers on how to care for the future of our planet. Moreover, his work as an underwater photographer shows that science and art can go hand in hand, providing us not only with knowledge but also with underwater beauty.