NEW YORK, June 2 — Fabien Cousteau, third generation Ocean Explorer, has announced Plant A Fish, a campaign to help restore and protect healthy waters around the world. Continuing a legacy of exploration and marine life protection pioneered by Fabien's grandfather Jacques Cousteau, Plant A Fish intends to educate and engage people in greater ocean awareness and ultimately ocean stewardship, beginning with the simple act of first 'planting a fish'.
Plant A Fish will empower communities to get involved with responsible 're-planting' of key marine species in their local habitats in distressed bodies of water around the world. Initial targeted projects in 2010-2011 will include responsible re-planting of oysters in New York Harbor, coral and mangroves in South Florida, Sea Turtles in El Salvador and Coral in the Maldives.
Healthy water bodies are a critical element in the sustainable management of the earth's natural resources. Over 97% of the earth is covered by aquatic ecosystems that contain vast and diverse species of marine life, and more than 20% of the world's population relies on these as a source of food or income. However, with growing demand for seafood, over-population, over-fishing and increased pollution, exhausted water bodies are creating dangerous conditions for the health of marine life, and for humans.
"My grandfather often said that 'People protect what they love.' The mission of Plant A Fish is to help people learn more, and ultimately care more, by 'getting wet' and getting directly involved in restoring and protecting water bodies and marine life," said Fabien Cousteau, founder, Plant A Fish. "Entire species of marine life are disappearing at an alarming rate. In the past 50 years, almost 60% of our world's fish stocks have been consumed, and less than 10% of the big fish species are left in the world. It's time we stop acting as hunters and start becoming farmers. We must tend to the oceans as we do to a prized garden, as we ultimately depend on them too."
"Plant A Fish is an organization that should have the support of everyone who values ocean life. Its' mission to protect and restore our marine environments is essential for the current and future sustainability of our ecosystems." Eric Ripert, Executive Chef/Co-Owner, Le Bernardin
"The Urban Assembly New York Harbor School is proud to be part of Plant A Fish's first restoration project. PAF and Fabien Cousteau's support will allow Harbor School students to engage in rigorous scientific studies that will not only improve the local marine environment, but also increase their chances of success in high school and ultimately college. We cannot think of a more appropriate way to celebrate Jacques Cousteau's legacy than to work with his grandson and inspire the next generation of marine scientists, divers and conservationists." Murray L. Fisher, Co-Founder and Program Director, The Urban Assembly New York Harbor School
Plant A Fish will launch on June 7th and, together with students from the New York Harbor School, Fabien will "re-plant" oysters off of Governor's Island in New York Harbor 3 days before the 100 year birthday of Jacques Cousteau, and 1 day before World Oceans Day. Additional marine life re-planting programs are planned for July through October, with measurement and monitoring studies scheduled throughout the year.
Source: Plant A Fish