Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society and Disney/Pixar Team Up to Protect Reefs

SANTA BARBARA, CA.: The blockbuster animated film, Finding Nemo, has given millions of people a personal connection to coral reefs that fosters hope for a new generation to become better stewards for our ocean environment, according to Jean-Michel Cousteau.

"We applaud Disney/Pixar for popularizing coral reefs, because Nemo’s home and neighbors are in desperate need of help," he said. "Reefs around the world are suffering from human impact, and the more people, especially young people, who know it sooner can take action to turn things around."

Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society has partnered with Disney/Pixar in creating a coral reef web adventure for children of all ages. These resources add depth and understanding to the Finding Nemo storyline. Beginning with Mr. Ray's Classroom on the Disney website (http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/findingnemo/index2.html) and connecting with Jean-Michel Cousteau's Cities Under the Sea – Coral Reefs (http://www.oceanfutures.org/Nemo/index.html), computer adventurers can stay dry and safe while they explore the wonders of coral reefs. They can explore the beauty and diversity of life on the reef, discover how key species keep communities functioning smoothly, and learn how reefs use energy efficiently, recycle wastes and even provide public health for residents.

By going to Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society’s general website, www.oceanfutures.org, interested viewers can become aware of many topics on ocean life and preservation. Membership in Ocean Futures Society is free to all via the website.

"Our teams have created a superb learning adventure to help us all understand the value of reefs and the importance of managing them wisely" Cousteau said. "These treasures of our water planet are fragile and vulnerable...they need our help, now!"

Cousteau is encouraged that Finding Nemo conveys a message about pollution, fisheries and the capture of wild fish for the aquarium trade. He is concerned, though, that some people are flushing fish down the drain to liberate them and that the film has created a fad of purchasing clownfish.
"Just as we can purchase dolphin safe tuna, it is now becoming possible to get reef safe marine life for aquaria," Cousteau explained. "The Marine Aquarium Council (www.aquariumcouncil.org.) is now establishing standards and certification for marine life that has been harvested sustainably or have optimally been raised in fish farms. I urge everyone to learn more and help save our reefs."

Cousteau and his team are presently conducting an expedition in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands to explore America's most remote and pristine reef ecosystem. This chain of biologically unique islands is being considered for even greater protection by federal authorities. The expedition, Voyage to Kure, can be followed by would-be adventurers on the Ocean Futures' website beginning July 3.

The mission of Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society is to explore the global ocean, inspiring and educating people throughout the world to act responsibly for its protection, documenting the critical connection between humanity and nature, and celebrating the ocean's vital importance to the survival of all life on our planet. Ocean Futures Society is based in Santa Barbara, Ca., USA with offices in Paris and Washington, D.C.