Oceana ambassador Alexandra Cousteau dives into Baltic Expedition

Press Release Date: June 6, 2012

Location: Madrid

Contact:

Marta Madina | email: mmadina@oceana.org | tel.: Marta Madina

As part of her ongoing collaboration with Oceana, Alexandra Cousteau granddaughter of ocean legend Jacques Cousteau, recently joined the international marine conservation’s Baltic Expedition. Cousteau, an avid diver will for the first time ever, explore the brackish waters of the Baltic and collect data that will assist Oceana in conservation and fisheries management proposals.

“I’ve had the opportunity to dive all over the world, but this is the first time I’ve had a chance to tackle the Baltic Sea and the Kattegat. I’m thrilled that Oceana has provided me with the opportunity to join them on board. It’s been an incredible experience to see how this team works during at-sea expeditions,” said Cousteau. “So much remains unknown about life under the sea, and without that knowledge, we can’t reverse the problem. Expeditions like these are crucial to developing effective proposals for change.”

Oceana’s two-month long Baltic Expedition launched in late spring. Cousteau joins scientists, underwater photographers and researchers in studying marine species and habitats in this unique sea.

We are incredibly lucky to have Ms. Cousteau on board helping us document this endangered sea and working with us to promote new Marine Protected Areas and better management of the existing ones and of the fisheries in the region,” added   Xavier Pastor, Executive Director and expedition leader.

The Baltic Sea is one of the most polluted in the world, 90% of commercially exploited species in the Baltic and the Kattegat are fished without any limits, while destructive fishing practices, such as bottom trawling and dredging threaten the sensitive ecosystem.

Oceana’s Baltic campaign and expedition are possible through the generous support of ArcadiaZennström Philanthropies and the Robertson Foundation. Oceana also appreciates Revo for their collaboration.

Learn more: Oceana 2012 Baltic Sea Expedition