News Release August 11th, 2009
Lord Howe Island Marine Park to feature in France
Thalassa film directors
Chantal Gilles and Dean Hiscox
on Lord Howe Island recently,
with the masked booby
featuring in the foreground.
French culture became the flavour of the month at Lord Howe Island recently when the documentary crew from the long- running French series Thalassa took up temporary residence on the unspoilt island.
The world heritage island and the surrounding Lord Howe Island Marine Park will feature in an upcoming episode of the series, which is one of the most popular television shows in France.
Thalassa, which is Greek for ‘the sea’, is also shown widely across Europe and focuses on all aspects of the ocean, including geography, ecology, fishing, transportation and yachting.
Lord Howe Island Marine Park’s Sallyann Gudge said the French film crew had been delighted by the natural wonders of the island and marine park.
“The directors, Chantal and Gilles, were interested in the diverse marine life that is found so close to the shore and enjoyed learning about the amazing values of the marine park. They were particularly interested in the endemic creatures such as McCulloch’s anemone fish and about aquatic life in the marine park as well as the conservation aims of the marine park’s zoning plan and research projects.
“Also of interest to the crew were the public moorings systems that we’ve put in place to protect the fragile coral. We were lucky with the weather and all in all it was a terrific experience and opportunity to showcase this unique part of Australia, including the marine park, to people in France and across Europe.
“The crew also spent time with local dive operators, long-time island residents and they filmed many aspects of the conservation work taking place on the island including the efforts of the Lord Howe Island Board in protecting seabirds and the rare phasmid stick insect.”
Sallyann says the French film crew were very grateful to all the islanders who assisted them
Lord Howe Island Marine Park is one of six marine parks in NSW. It was established in February 1999 and features the world’s most southerly coral reef.
In 1982 Lord Howe Island and the surrounding waters were declared a world heritage site, the first in NSW.Media Contact: Tonia Liosatos
Telephone: 02 6495 5024
Mobile: 0418 820 504
After Hours: 02 9995 5347