Julie Ouimet and Michel Labrecque

Julie Ouimet and Michel Labrecque are internationally known underwater imagemakers, speakers, and field guides, as well as Fellows of The Explorers Club and of The Royal Canadian Geographic Society. They organized two scientific missions to Clipperton atoll that contributed to the creation of a marine protected area. For their outstanding achievements in Field Science and Conservation, they were awarded The Explorers Club Citation of Merit in 2018, and were twice granted the honor of carrying the Explorers Club flag. 

From the Indian Ocean to the Gulf of St. Lawrence and beyond, they have produced captivating visuals for major networks like Discovery and CBC. Their expertise in expedition logistics has taken them to some of the world's most remote and uncharted destinations, including the Comoros and Oman. Additionally, Julie and Michel have co-authored numerous magazine articles and a coffee table book, Clipperton. In 2021, they co-founded Anticosti Ecotours, a land and underwater tour company based on Anticosti Island, Quebec, Canada’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Julie, a talented underwater expedition videographer and short film producer, has had her films showcased and awarded at festivals across Europe and North America. She is a member of the Ocean Artists Society and an inductee into the Women Divers Hall of Fame. 

Michel, an accomplished underwater photojournalist and commercial photographer, is also a skilled dive educator and Small Vessel Operator. He served as a lieutenant in the Royal 22nd Regiment (infantry), bringing a wealth of discipline and leadership to his expeditions.

 

Languages spoken: English and French

Photo credit: James Stacey