STYLE 1 MEDIA >>> OCEAN INSPIRATION: A TRIBUTE TO JACQUES COUSTEAU
World Resources Institute Celebrates Jacques Cousteau's Legacy
The Sea Grill, 19 West 49th Street, Rockefeller Plaza, NY, NY | 05.18.2011 | by Merry Esparza
Since the mid-twentieth-century, the name of Jacques Cousteau (1910–1997) has been
inextricably linked with discovery and adventure on the high seas. The renowned French ocean explorer, scientist,
ecologist, and filmmaker devoted his life to the study of the world's oceans and marine life
using his ship Calypso as a mobile laboratory for research, diving, and filming.
Since his passing 14 years ago, his children and grandchildren have carried on his legacy and love for the sea.
On May 18th granddaughter Céline Cousteau, in collaboration with the
World Resources Institute (WRI), hosted Ocean Inspiration: A Tribute to Jacques Cousteau,
a benefit for ocean conservation.
(left: Céline Cousteau and father, Jean-Michel Cousteau)
The evening began with a cocktail reception featuring sustainable cuisine by Executive Chef Jawn Chasteen
of The Sea Grill.
Jacques Cousteau's family members in attendance included his son, Jean-Michel Cousteau with wife,
Anne-Marie, and grandchildren Céline and Fabien.
Other notable guests included WRI Vice President for Institutional Strategy & Development, Liz Cook;
WRI People & Ecosystems Program Director, Craig Hanson; WRI Board Member, Todd Thomson;
and Calypso divers Capkin van Alphen, Clay Wilcox, and Marc Blessington.
NBC Today Show Anchor Amy Robach emceed an awards ceremony to recognize innovators in ocean advocacy.
The honorees were:
- Ocean Inspiration through Adventure: Rower, author, and environmental advocate Roz Savage
- Ocean Inspiration through Art: Sound artist Halsey Burgund, who created Ocean Voices, a tribute to Jacques Cousteau
- Ocean Inspiration through Vision: Marine scientist, conservationist, and explorer David Guggenheim
- Ocean Inspiration in the Face of Crisis: New Orleans photographer Jerry Moran
- 100-Second Video Contest Winner: Underwater filmmakers Joe Romero and Bill Fischer of 333 Productions
- 100-Second Video Contest Winner: Cartoonist Jim Toomey, creator of Sherman's Lagoon
A silent auction was held and a live auction was conducted by Christies Auctioneer
Lydia Fenet.
Film screenings were shown of 100-second video tributes to Jacques Cousteau contributed by fans, and an excerpt from
Jean-Michel Cousteau's new film
My Father the Captain.
A highlight of the evening was the dance piece choreographed by
Derek Stratton of
Pilobolus and performed by the
Kristin McArdle Dance Company,
with music by
Henri "Scars" Struck.
La Prairie,
Contiki,
Code Blue Foundation, and
NOAA-NMSE sponsored the event.
Proceeds benefit the World Resources Institute's Reefs at Risk Initiative.
For more information, please visit: The World Resources Institute,
or Ocean Inspiration.
