World renowned oceanographer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau was the keynote speaker at the inaugural conference for the new Florida Ocean Alliance, a unique private/public partnership dedicated to ocean stewardship. Over 100 people attended the event, which took place on Dec. 1, 2000, aboard Royal Caribbean International's Majesty of the Seas at the Port of Miami. The conference also included a panel of governmental, environmental and cruise industry leaders who discussed the Florida Ocean Alliance's ongoing efforts to focus on "The Ocean Economic Sector in Florida." The Alliance presented Jim Murley with its first Strategic Environmental Achievement Award, which recognizes individual contributions to ocean-related environmental preservation efforts. Mr. Murley, who is Director of the FAU-FIU Joint Center for Environmental & Urban Problems, was recognized for his leadership of the Biscayne Bay Partnership Initiative.

The alliance serves as a clearinghouse for information on key ocean and coastal issues facing Florida. It monitors and publicizes actions related to the oceans and coasts. The organization is currently recruiting membership from a broad spectrum of the private and public sectors, including ocean-related industries in tourism, ports, shipping, and cruising, as well as federal and state governmental agencies, nonprofit research organizations, academia, and various public interest groups. The Joint Center for Environmental and Urban Problems at FAU-FIU serves as secretariat for the alliance, focusing on outreach and educational activities for the public and policymakers. The alliance steering committee includes Chair, Nancy Wheatley of Royal Caribbean International, Jim Walsh of Carnival Cruises, David McDonald of the Florida Ports Council, Dr. Kumar Mahadevan of Mote Marine Laboratory, and Dr. John Ogden of the Florida Institute of Oceanograph.