Famed Oceanographer and Filmmaker Comes to Central

Tickets still available for this eye-opening event.
March 27, 2007

Ellensburg, Wash. - Many years ago, famed explorer Jacques Cousteau revealed the mysteries of the ocean to the world. Today, following in his father's footsteps, Jean-Michel Cousteau continues to create public awareness of the many challenges marine environments face and to share his love and concern for our planet.

For more than four decades Jean-Michel has explored the world's oceans and communicated his experiences and findings with the public. Cousteau's efforts help raise awareness of diverse wildlife populations, the need to protect sensitive marine areas, and the devastating effects pollution and development have on the environment.

Cousteau will speak at Central Washington University as part of the Performing Arts and Presidential Speaker Series on Wednesday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom. He will be presenting a collection of his documentaries including some footages of his most recent expedition to the Amazon Rain Forest. Tickets are still available for this event. Visit www.cwu.edu/president/series or call 509-963-1301.

Currently president of the Ocean Futures Society, an organization he founded in 1999, Cousteau also served as executive vice president of The Cousteau Society for nearly 20 years. According to the organization's Web site, "The Ocean Futures Society is a non-profit marine conservation and education organization that serves as a voice for the ocean by communicating the critical bond between people and the sea and the importance of wise environmental policy."

An impassioned spokesman and diplomat for the environment, Cousteau reaches out to the public through a variety of media. He has produced more than 70 films that have earned him numerous Emmy, Peabody and Cable Ace Awards. He also reaches thousands of people in several countries through his Ambassadors of the Environment program, a hands-on environmental education experience that encourages people to change how they live and become personally responsible to the environment.

In 2006, President George W. Bush was so inspired by Cousteau's PBS documentary Great Ocean Adventures he named the Northwest Hawaiian Islands a National Monument. It's now the largest protected area in the world-larger than 46 of America's states.