Ocean Futures Society’s Statement of Purpose “A Roadmap for the Future”
For more than two decades, Ocean Futures Society has stood as a global “Voice For The Ocean.” Dedicated to exploring, educating, and inspiring the world to protect and sustain our planet’s vital marine ecosystems. Guided by the legacy and vision of Jean-Michel Cousteau. Evolved into a global platform for “Ocean Partnerships” Through the strength of education, the the power of film, the influence of media, plus the dynamism of direct conservation initiatives, OFS champions a message that transcends borders: that “Protecting The Ocean Is Protecting Ourselves.”
The mission extends beyond Advocacy—it is a “Call To Action” forging partnerships across cultures, disciplines, and generations— inspiring global awareness for the ocean upon which all life depends.
This past year 2025 Ocean Futures Society has continued our expansive collaborative action partnerships with like-minded non-profits and organizations who are taking leadership roles in the evolution of sustainable responsibility committed to protecting the ocean, marine and terrestrial ecosystems for future generations.
It’s a pleasure to share some highlights with you from 2025 a year of hope and courage to act to make a difference.
Ocean Futures Society is relaunching Voyage to Kure - A Film That Made A difference. Historically Jean-Michel Cousteau led a bold groundbreaking expedition in 2003 with Ocean Futures Society’s team to explore the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. This expedition culminated in the production of the OFS-PBS-KQED films Voyage to Kure. The first environmental film ever premiered at The White House directly inspiring then-President George W. Bush to establish Papahānaumokuākea, a Marine National Monument in 2006, the largest marine protected area in the world at the time including a full ban on commercial fishing, catalyzing ocean protection action at the highest levels of government.
More than a decade ago, Papahānaumokuākea — a sacred name a sacred place — became one of the largest marine sanctuaries on our planet and is one of the most awe-inspiring culturally sacred marine regions. This protected Marine National Monument is an ecologically vital marine region, home to extraordinary biodiversity and cultural heritage, and must remain safeguarded for the ocean, for the planet, and for future generations.
In 2010, the Monument was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized not only for its ecological value but also for its profound cultural significance to Native Hawaiian communities. President Barack Obama further expanded the Monument in 2016, increasing its area to 582,578 square miles — making it once again the largest marine protected area on Earth. The expansion provided critical protections for over 7,000 marine species, including endangered whales, sea turtles, and the world’s longest-living marine organisms, such as black coral, which can live over 4,500 years.
By bringing back to worldwide audiences this powerful two-hour special film Voyage to Kure will once again be shared worldwide. By rekindling the spirit of stewardship through Voyage to Kure, we hope to remind the world that protecting the ocean is not only about safeguarding beauty and biodiversity — it is about securing life itself.
“When the ocean is protected, it thrives — when it thrives, it serves as the vital living biosphere that stabilizes our global climate, supporting all life on Earth, ensuring a future for generations to come.”
Jean-Michel Cousteau and Ocean Futures Society proudly affirm our support and alignment with the French Polynesian President Moetai Brotherson. His bold declaration at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference confirmed that his government would designate the country’s entire Exclusive Economic Zone as a marine protected area of 4.8 million kilometer area as the largest such designation in the world. It prioritizes high-level marine protection, supports sustainable ocean economies, and stands firmly banning deep-sea mining.
“This is a big deal — for French Polynesia and its people, and for the planet. These waters are teeming with life — sharks, whales, sea turtles, and coral reefs that are among the healthiest ever studied. Protecting it means safeguarding a way of life — and offering the world a powerful example of bold ocean leadership.”— Dr. M. Sanjayan, CEO, Conservation International
Jean-Michel Cousteau and Ocean Futures Society proudly align with this historic effort, supporting global initiatives that embody responsible stewardship and collective leadership to protect our ocean planet. With a call for shared responsibility, we believe lasting conservation is possible when leadership is local, culturally grounded, and globally supported. We honor and echo the values of French Polynesian’s President Moetai Brotherson’s government and the many partners working to achieve these unprecedented conservation outcomes.
Ocean Futures Society remains committed to championing marine protected areas at scale, supporting intergenerational ocean education, advocating for science-driven decision-making, strengthening coalitions for environmental justice and cultural respect, and reasserting the will to act on behalf of future generations.
Ocean Futures Society and the NRDC have long collaborated on critical issues: the US Navy and its use of sonar and the campaign on banning the use of PBDE flame retardants. I am proud to partner supporting the NRDC mission, “Working to safeguard the earth, its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends.”
By any description, the Gulf of California - located between Baja California and northwest Mexico - is a natural gem, renowned globally for its beauty and rare natural diversity. My Father Capt. Jacques Yves Cousteau a legendary ocean explorer, named it “The Aquarium of the World” Mexican poet Homero Aridjis called it the “Serengeti of the Sea” because of its incredibly diverse marine life. I fell in love with this extraordinary place when my father and I explored it together in the ‘80s.
I cannot morally stand by and watch the destruction of the Gulf of California. That’s why I am partnering with the NRDC to stop the Saguaro project.
The Gulf of California is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. It’s famous for its crystal blue waters, vibrant coral reefs, and remarkable diversity of life, making it one of the most iconic marine ecosystems on Earth.
Today, Mexico Pacific, a U.S. liquified natural gas developer, wants to turn it into massive industrial gas export facilities. This project - known as Saguaro - with enormous tankers each over 900 feet long will pass through these waters hundreds of times per year. The endangered blue whale and many other species would lose vital habitat, and the critically endangered vaquita could be pushed to extinction, plus ultimately impacting and eliminating thousands of marine and land species — 39% of all marine mammal species, 891 types of fish, 154 shore bird species, 115 reptiles species and five types of sea turtles, including the 2,000-pound Leatherback — and all who call it home.
The NRDC and its coalition partners are pushing back — and it’s working. Through aggressive advocacy, construction has been stalled. When people like you and me stand together to support the NRDC, we can protect the ocean wonders like the Gulf of California.
The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji was launched in1995. An environmentally and culturally oriented family resort, conceived as a global model proving to the business community the economic benefits of environmental concern and design. In order to expand the impact of ecological tourism, Jean-Michel Cousteau created L’Aventure Jean-Michel Cousteau, his flagship dive operation at the resort in Fiji.
The L’Aventure Jean-Michel Cousteau Dive Center located at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji is widely recognized for its outstanding reputation and excellence — its longstanding history as the oldest dive center in Fiji, and its global reputation for quality, safety, and innovation. In 2024, it certified more divers than any other PADI-based dive center — a true reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and integrity of the entire team.
Keep Tahoe Blue was founded in 1957 as the League to Save Lake Tahoe. For more than 68 years their mission has been protecting, restoring, and preserving Lake Tahoe’s extraordinary clarity, beauty, and ecological from environmental threats through science-based solutions, education, and community engagement, ensuring the Lake’s resilience for generations to come.
Jean-Michel Cousteau and Ocean Futures Society was extremely honored to be the Keynote Speaker for the Keep Tahoe Blue 2025 Summit August 2025 at the University of Nevada, Reno at Tahoe’s campus library Protecting America’s Waters: Summit to Sea. This week long visitation to the “Ocean in the sky” highlighted intergenerational leadership and collective action—bringing together the communities of “The Lake’s” educators, scientists, Tribal and community partners, and conservation organizations to elevate youth voices and reinforce a shared commitment to safeguarding Lake Tahoe as a living legacy for those who will inherit it. From Zephyr Cove’s boat ride along the historic shoreline’s breathtaking panorama to Meeks Bay Resort gathering integration with the Washoe Tribe, the U.S. Forest Service’s Generation Green program, collaboration with the California Tahoe Conservancy local partners, bring to life what true community stewardship looks like. Including witnessing the amazing BEBOT robot beach clean-up in action offering a tangible, inspiring glimpse into how innovation and care can protect one of the planet’s most beautiful ecosystems.
We congratulate Keep Tahoe Blue’s Team led by Dr. Darcie Collins for envisioning the future, purchasing the land, building, and opening the Spurlock/Evers Environment & Education Center which stands as a beacon of sustainable innovation and deep community engagement. Its LEED-certified design, native plant gardens, and welcoming gathering spaces perfectly embody everything Keep Tahoe Blue represents: education, action, and inclusion.
Jean-Michel Cousteau and Ocean Futures Society support and look forward to continuing partnering with Keep Tahoe Blue. We share their profound belief that the future of conservation depends upon inspiring and empowering the community and young people with collaborative programs and initiatives that connect youth directly with science, storytelling, and hands-on environmental stewardship, cultivating curiosity, responsibility, and hope.
An immersive and inspirational week extraordinaire with the Keep Tahoe Blue team, board members, friends, colleagues, partners, and “The Lake” Tahoe Community.
Jean-Michel Cousteau and Ocean Futures Society is deeply impressed by Keep Tahoe Blue’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan. Its focus on climate resilience, invasive species management, and water quality—woven together with meaningful community engagement—sets a powerful example for lake protection worldwide.
Ocean Futures Society is honored to return to Maui every year in partnership with Whale Trust’s annual event Whale Tales. Every year the Humpback Whales return to Maui. Presented by Whale Trust, Whale Tales is an annual fundraising and community outreach event. Hosted by the Ritz-Carlton Maui Kapalua Whale Tales stands as a prestigious marine science gathering that unites whale scientists, researchers from across the global and the North Pacific Humpback Whale breeding grounds, plus the public enthusiasts.
Jean-Michel Cousteau and OFS supports the release of all captive whales to live their lives in the freedom of seaside sanctuaries and support The Whale Sanctuary Project’s mission — “Working to transform the way people relate to whales and dolphins by brining an end to their exploitation and by creating seaside sanctuaries, assisting with international marine mammal rescues, and advancing whale and dolphin science.”
The official statement issued December 13th, by the Ministry of Ecological Transition in France regarding the future of the mother-and-son orcas Wikie and Keijo at Marineland Antibes. The Government formalizes decisions on the future of Marineland cetaceans and the Ministry of Ecological Transition is taking a new decisive step regarding the future of Marineland animals, in order to guarantee their well-being, safety and respect for French law. The park’s two orcas are destined to join the Whale Sanctuary Project, a marine sanctuary for cetaceans in Nova Scotia, Canada. The transfer could take place in the summer of 2026. My sincere Thank-you and congratulations to especially my dear friend and colleague of many years Charles Vinick for his tireless work and this great achievement.
“The time has come for us to see orcas and other cetaceans in captivity as part of our past — not a tragic part of our future. These intelligent, social, and complex marine mammals must be retired to seaside sanctuaries.”……..2016 Jean-Michel Cousteau
Historically in 1999, Jean-Michel Cousteau joined the pioneering effort to rehabilitate Keiko, the orca star of Free Willy, and return him to his ocean home in Iceland. This unprecedented project advanced husbandry practices and wild orca research, leading to Keiko’s release in 2002 — the first and only successful rehabilitation and release of a captive orca in history. Though Keiko passed in 2003 from illness, his legacy endures as a cornerstone achievement in animal welfare, conservation, and public engagement — a beacon of hope and a model for retiring whales and dolphins worldwide into sanctuaries.
“Mission Blue inspires action to explore and protect the ocean. Led by legendary oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, Mission Blue is uniting a global coalition to inspire an upwelling of public awareness, access and support for a worldwide network of marine protected areas – Hope Spots. Under Dr. Earle’s leadership, the Mission Blue team implements communications campaigns that elevate Hope Spots to the world stage through documentaries, social media, traditional media and innovative tools like Esri ArcGIS. Mission Blue also embarks on regular oceanic expeditions that shed light on these vital ecosystems and build support for their protection. Currently, the Mission Blue™ alliance includes more than 200 respected ocean conservation groups and like-minded organizations, from large multinational companies to individual scientific teams doing important research. Additionally, Mission Blue supports the work of conservation NGOs that share the mission of building public support for ocean protection. With the concerted effort and passion of people and organizations around the world, Hope Spots® can become a reality and form a global network of marine protected areas large enough to restore the ocean, the blue heart of the planet.”
Jean-Michel Cousteau and Ocean Futures Society is honored to support endorsing the life-long dedication and mission of my dear friend and colleague Dr. Sylvia Earle and Mission Blue.
Work at local, regional, and global levels The Coral Reef Alliance protects and restores keeping coral reefs healthy, so they can adapt to climate change and survive for generations to come. As one of the largest global NGOs focused exclusively on protecting coral reefs, the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) has used cutting-edge science and community engagement for nearly 30 years to reduce direct threats to reefs and to promote scalable and effective solutions for their protection.”
It was Jean-Michel Cousteau’s honor and pleasure engaging and partnering as the Keynote Speaker for The Coral Reef Alliance CORALS FOREVER GALA at the CA Academy of Science in San Francisco celebrating 30 years protecting coral.
Coral Reef Alliance’s global commitment and unprecedented degree of moral and financial support ensures that their projects and programs will continue to spread globally, unveiling the secrets of our water planet for our protection and for future generations.
Founded in 1973 the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s mission is to perpetuate the art and science of traditional Polynesian voyaging and the spirit of exploration through experiential educational programs that inspire students and their communities to respect and care for themselves, each other, and their natural and cultural environments. Through voyaging, PVS hopes to inspire humanity to care for the earth by highlighting the vital importance of oceans, indigenous knowledge, communities, education, and sustainability.
Nainoa Thompson has captained and navigated Hokuleʻa on more than a dozen voyages and has passed on his knowledge for decades. He is a Pwo Navigator and CEO of Polynesian Voyaging Society, the son of environmentalist Laura Thompson and social worker and educator Myron “Pinky” Thompson. In the early 70s, Herb Kawainui Kane brought Nainoa into the effort to build Hokuleʻan and introduced him to the dream of using stars to navigate her. Nainoa studied under Master Navigator Mau Piailug and Bishop Museum Planetarium lecturer Will Kyselka. In 1980, Nainoa became the first Native Hawaiian in 600 years to navigate a voyaging canoe to Tahiti without instruments.
In 2003 Nainoa and Hokule’a escorted Ocean Futures Society’s expedition vessel The Searcher from Honolulu passing Kauai and Ni’ihao blessing our voyage to the remote island chain of the Northwester Hawaiian Islands. What we discovered there is presented in Ocean Futures society’s PBS documentary, Jean-Michel Cousteau’s: Ocean Adventures – Voyage to Kure.
I am deeply honored and proud to call Nainoa Thompson my friend and fellow explorer and ocean protector extraordinaire. Ocean Futures Society supports the inspirational commitment and mission of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and Moananuiākea — A Voyage for Oceans, A Voyage for Earth, 2023 to 2027. Hōkūle‘a’s 15th major voyage in her first 50 years. “At the core of Hōkūle‘a’s creation was exploration – to uncover, recover, and reclaim. Reclaim our culture, traditions, and our relationship to home and our island earth. Moananuiākea is no different, but we are now guided by what the worldwide voyage told us—that we must deepen our values in the voyage and move from exploration and understanding to mālama, or caring, and kuleana, or taking responsibility. With those values, we must move discovery toward choices and actions that we believe will help build a future good enough for our children. This is our most difficult voyage yet because the destination is not ours. It will be the most difficult island yet to find, because it is the future of island earth.”
“Heal the Ocean focuses on reducing ocean pollution and providing science-based solutions to improve the health of our ocean and resilience of our coasts to benefit people and wildlife. We are focused on Santa Barbara County, and our methods serve as models for other coastal communities across the country."
Ocean Futures Society and I am deeply grateful for the tireless, science-based work of Heal the Ocean, one of the most effective ocean-protection organizations in my hometown of Santa Barbara. Thank-you to my dear friend and colleague Hillary Houser Co Founder, Executive Director, currently Strategic Advisor for your many years of dedicated leadership Their mission—to make our coastal waters clean, safe, and healthy by stopping ocean pollution at its source—embodies the kind of pragmatic, results-driven environmental leadership our ocean urgently needs. Heal the Ocean’s unwavering commitment to improving wastewater infrastructure, protecting watersheds, and holding polluters accountable has delivered real, measurable improvements to the Santa Barbara Channel and the communities that depend on it. Their work proves that informed advocacy, collaboration with local agencies, and persistence can restore ocean health while safeguarding public well-being.
I am proud to be involved from the very beginnings and offer my continued commitment, support, and guidance to Heal the Ocean’s local efforts. Protecting the ocean begins at home, and Santa Barbara is stronger, healthier, and more hopeful because of their leadership. Supporting Heal the Ocean is an investment not only in our coastline today, but in the legacy we leave for future generations.
Historically Peabody and Emmy Award-winning Jean-Michel Cousteau and Ocean Futures Society’s acclaimed team set sail on expeditions spanning from 2003-2011. To spectacular and dangerous locales across the globe filming in the high-definition for the TV series, Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Adventures. Using state-of-the-art technology, accompanied by marine scientists, ecologists, they explored a thrilling array of natural phenomena, investigated little known territories and ecosystems hundreds of feet beneath the ocean's surface, and came face to face with the friendly and ferocious inhabitants of the deep in each episode of Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Adventures.
Today Jean-Michel Cousteau and Ocean Futures Society recognize the opportunity and the very challenging circumstances PBS and KQED recently navigated. We thank them for their perseverance and dedication in safeguarding archives of films for many years. My hopes and plans have been realized; to incorporate this extraordinary film series into Ocean Futures Society’s safe keeping. Ocean Futures Society and I are fully committed to safe-guarding ensuring that these valuable materials are preserved with the care they deserve. This film library’s future work will be used to once again inspire the public to protect the ocean—the vital living force stabilizing climate and sustaining all life on our only home, Planet Ocean.
Our vision is including Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Adventures Voyage to Kure as part of our ongoing commitment to public education. This body of work is central to explaining why fishing was not permitted in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument underscoring how devastating industrial fishing is worldwide.
We would especially like to thank KQED and this effort of protection lead by Robert Chehoski, Manager, Media Management and Archives who twas instrumental making this opportunity possible.
Raw TV is a multi-award-winning international television and film production company based in London. Known for telling great stories with passion, integrity, and style, producing compelling documentaries, factual entertainment, feature films, and scripted series for major global broadcasters and streaming platforms.
Jean-Michel Cousteau, an Emmy Awarded film producer and Ocean Futures Society are excited for future possibilities to work together pushing the boundaries of storytelling with creativity, depth, and authenticity.
During this Season of Hope, Ocean Futures Society’s Team and I are truly grateful of the good fortune to continue joining forces forming action partnerships with amazing, creative, courageous socially conscious environmentally concerned leaders. We continue inspiring the will to change in how we relate to balancing sustainability, supporting diversity, which is synonymous with stability.
I offer to you all my deepest gratitude to all members, friends, colleagues, partners, and fellow travelers who have joined me on this lifelong voyage of discovery—those whose guidance, camaraderie, and shared commitment have strengthened our work and enriched our journey. And I thank, from the heart, everyone everywhere who has supported the protection of our oceans—our planet’s life-support system—and all life they sustain. May this season inspire us the courage to carry forward with renewed purpose, compassion, and faith in our collective ability to shape a just, peaceful, and living future
Through innovative educational initiatives, visionary documentary productions, strategic action alliances and partnerships, including hands-on conservation initiatives, Ocean Futures Society will continue to build a legacy of hope and accountability—amplifying the capacity to create tangible, lasting change for protection of Planet Ocean.
It is groups and communities of like-minded people who make a world of difference!
Ocean of Thanks,
Jean-Michel Cousteau
President, Ocean Futures Society
"Protect The Ocean And You Protect Yourself” — Jean-Michel Cousteau
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