Clipperton Expedition

Jean Louis Etienne Scientific Missions

« Clipperton is the only example of a coral atoll in the Eastern Pacific and is one of the least disturbed island systems in the world, giving it particular scientific and cultural interest. The purpose of the Clipperton Expedition in bringing together researchers from all disciplines was to carry out a Nature Audit on this unknown atoll: identifying, counting and determining the origin of species, the distribution of biodiversity in the Pacific, studying past climatic conditions and the response to current assaults on the environment, researching new active ingredients. This stock-taking operation is absolutely vital right now if we are to understand and take steps to protect biodiversity and the wider global equilibrium.»

Jean-Louis ETIENNE

So it was that from December 2004 to April 2005, Air Liquide and its subsidiaries, Aqua Lung, Air Liquide Health, Sudac and Axane took part in a scientific mission to Clipperton Island off the west coast of Mexico led by the Doctor and Explorer Jean-Louis Etienne. Clipperton Island is a remote and rather inaccessible French possession that constitutes an exceptional observatory for studying living creatures, and there are now some forty scientists from various disciplines dedicated to this activity (Studying biodiversity and the effects of human activity on terrestrial and submarine flora and fauna).

As part of this mission and its subsidiaries including provided doctor and explorer Jean-Louis Etienne's team with:

· gas (hydrogen etc.)
· diving equipment
· medical oxygen
· emergency intervention equipment for divers
· air compressors
· hydrogen powered fuel cell
· liquid nitrogen for the cryogenic preservation of samples taken
· ...

Experts from Air Liquide also contributed their technical expertise throughout the mission.

Axane and the Fuel Cell...

Still looking for experiments and new conditions to demonstrate the reliability and handiness of its Fuel Cell, Axane made available to Jean-Louis Etienne´ s team a Mobixane ™  Fuel Cell, a self-contained and mobile electric power source. Mobixane ™ can be used by someone quite inexperienced in the field, and even in an environment that tolerates no disturbance (noise, pollution, vibration), it was once again able to demonstrate its every advantage.

More Information...

View the Air Liquide's Clipperton Movie

Visit Jean-Louis Etienne's Website : www.jeanlouisetienne.fr