FAMOUS DIVER PARTNERS TO INCREASE CORAL REEF AWARENESS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 23, 2014

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

FAMOUS DIVER PARTNERS TO INCREASE CORAL REEF AWARENESS

~Philippe Cousteau Jr. films public service announcement for "Our Florida Reefs"~

Cousteau

MIAMI The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and its Southeast Coral Reef Initiative partners landed the support of a world-renowned diver and environmental advocate for the “Our Florida Reefs” campaign.

Philippe Cousteau Jr, the grandson of legendary Jacques Cousteau, recorded a 30-second public service announcement promoting the importance of Florida’s coral reefs and advocated support for the "Our Florida Reefs" community planning process.

Cousteau’s PSA begins airing today throughout the southeast Florida media markets and can also be viewed by clicking HERE.

Cousteau’s involvement in the PSA stems from a recent diving expedition on a coral reef off the coast of Miami. He was filming a television episode about ocean exploration that is scheduled to air on the FOX broadcasting network later this fall.

“It was wonderful to see such a healthy and thriving staghorn reef right offshore of Miami’s developed coastline,” Cousteau said. “I was very impressed with the dive site, which rivaled other staghorn reefs I’ve visited. It was a great location to film the coral reef episode of this series and I was very happy to support the 'Our Florida Reefs' community planning process for southeast Florida coral reefs by recording a PSA.”

The "Our Florida Reefs" media campaign began in May and will continue through 2016 to parallel the "Our Florida Reefs" community planning process. The campaign already features PSAs from world-renowned marine artist Guy Harvey and NPR radio personality Wanda Myles, as well as a local captain, fisher, dive-shop owner, school teacher and professional kite boarder.

Cousteau, whose grandfather and father earned international acclaim for their roles as environmental advocates, adds even more star power to the "Our Florida Reefs" campaign.

“We are thrilled to have Philippe Cousteau lend his voice to the 'Our Florida Reefs' campaign,” said Jamie Monty, DEP Coral Reef Conservation program manager. “It was also an honor for him to use a DEP vessel as a platform to visit a thriving staghorn coral reef with partners from the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative."

"Philippe’s passion for ocean and coral reef conservation shines through in his PSA and segments of the coral reef education episode filmed that day. I know students will learn and enjoy.”