Press Release

 
COUSTEAU TO SPEAK AT FLORIDA OCEAN ALLIANCE KICKOFF EVENT

MIAMI (11/27/00) - World renowned oceanographer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau will serve as the keynote speaker at the inaugural conference for the new Florida Ocean Alliance, a unique private/public partnership dedicated to ocean stewardship.

The event, which will also include a panel discussion featuring various governmental, environmental and cruise industry leaders and the presentation of the alliance's first-ever Strategic Environmental Achievement Award, will take place on Friday, Dec. 1, aboard Royal Caribbean International's Majesty of the Seas while it is docked at the Port of Miami.

"The Florida Ocean Alliance is very honored to have Jean-Michel Cousteau as our keynote speaker," said Nancy Wheatley, alliance chair and senior vice president of safety and environment at Royal Caribbean International. "Mr. Cousteau is known throughout the world for his commitment to environmental causes and his presence will help promote the alliance's goal of raising awareness on the importance of the oceans and coasts to the ecology and economy of Florida and its neighbors."

Cousteau's remarks, entitled "Sustainable Oceans in the 21st Century," will cover a broad range of topics, including the current state of the world's oceans and future efforts to ensure their continued preservation. He will be introduced by Bob Dickinson, president, Carnival Cruise Lines. Carnival enjoys an association with Cousteau through its membership in the International Seakeeper Society, of which Cousteau is a Board member. Additionally, Carnival recently formed a partnership with Turner Broadcasting's Captain Planet Foundation, and Cousteau played a key role in creating the Captain Planet animated series.

The conference will also include a panel of executive and governmental leaders who will discuss the Florida Ocean Alliance's ongoing efforts to focus on "The Ocean Economic Sector in Florida."

The panel will include Kirby Green, deputy secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection; Richard Fain, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.; Dr. Judith Kildow, senior research scientist at the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Southern California; Dr. William Stronge, professor of economics at Florida Atlantic University; Dr. James Cato, professor and director of the Florida Sea Grant Program at the University of Florida; and Malcolm McLouth, executive director of the Canaveral Port Authority.

The conference will also include the presentation of its inaugural Strategic Environmental Achievement Award which recognizes individual contributions to ocean-related environmental preservation efforts.

ABOUT THE ALLIANCE
The Florida Ocean Alliance was formed in late 1999, based on the work of the Florida Governor's Ocean Committee, a group that recognized the vital role of coastal and ocean resources to the state's quality of life and economic vitality. Since that time, two national commissions have been established to consider the impact of the oceans to the country. "One of the key roles of the alliance is to ensure that Florida's perspective is represented in the national dialogue and members have an opportunity to raise their issues with national and state policymakers," Wheatley said.

The organization is currently recruiting membership from a broad spectrum of the private and public sectors. Private sector members will include representatives from ocean-related industries in tourism, ports, shipping, and cruising, while public sector members will include federal and state governmental agencies, nonprofit research organizations, academia, and various public interest groups.

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 alliance helps develop critical policy to sustain the oceans, a shared resource that impacts all of us on the planet," added Dr. John Ogden, alliance board member from the Florida Institute of Oceanography. "Recognition of the long-term impact of the oceans on our environment is central to the role of the alliance."

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. According to Jim Murley, director of the Joint Center, "We are targeting the alliance's activities to include conferences, papers on ocean and coastal policies, economic studies, and testimony to national or state agencies and commissions concerned with ocean or coastal policy. We endeavor to keep our members informed on these policy issues and to share our ideas with 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 Oceanography.

ABOUT JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU
Jean-Michel Cousteau leads the Ocean Futures Society, which provides the global community with a forum for exploring issues affecting the ocean. Through research, education, and multi-media productions, Ocean Futures is a voice for the ocean, enlightening people internationally about the importance of our world's oceans and our connection to them. Ocean Futures addresses the following critical marine issues: protecting and understanding marine mammals, protecting and improving water quality, protecting and preserving coral reefs, protecting and restoring coastal habitats, and promoting fisheries management. Ocean Futures is a nonprofit organization formed as a result of the merger of the Free Willy Keiko Foundation and the Jean-Michel Cousteau Institute. Further information on Ocean Futures is available at www.oceanfutures.org.
For additional information on the Florida Ocean Alliance, contact Jim Murley or Lenore Alpert at 954/762-5255. Further details are available at www.floridaoceanalliance.org.