About
The FCOLC
The Fabien Cousteau Ocean Learning Center was founded in 2016 as a 501(c)(3) by aquanaut, oceanographic explorer, conservationist and documentary filmmaker Fabien Cousteau, to fulfill his dream of creating a vehicle for positive change in the world.
The FCOLC was created to empower local communities to champion ocean conservation in ways that are most meaningful to them.
By engaging local communities worldwide in restoration, conservation and research activities, we can plant the seeds of growth toward a healthier relationship between ourselves and our life support system that comes from our oceans.
Receive updates from Fabien on protecting our ocean.
Our Approach
SEE. LEARN. DO.
We are fueled by two things: passion and science. We believe that individuals and communities are motivated to effect change through this cycle. We call it - SEE. LEARN. DO.
SEE:
Raise Global Awareness
Raising awareness about marine conservation and preservation is one of our essential goals. Through education and research programs, we aim to inspire all generations to keep our ocean healthy.
LEARN
Educate via experimental programming
Educational programming dedicated to cultivating the next generation of ocean conservationists and explorers is critical to creating the bold changes urgently needed to protect our waters.
DO
Empowering Communities
We focus on implementing Marine Life Restoration programs that address some of the greatest threats and damage to our aquatic ecosystems: climate change, ocean acidification, habitat destruction, and coastal pollution.
The Need is URGENT
A Planet at Risk
Now, more than ever, the world is in desperate need and it requires us to focus its attention and resources on our ocean. The planet struggles against climate change and water pollution, among other important challenges resulting in the degradation of entire ecosystems. Our oceans have been plundered and marine diversity is in a free-fall.
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Today when the need is most urgent, the FCOLC is focusing efforts to protect, conserve and connect to our ocean in order to help the world change course.
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Like his renowned grandfather, Jacques Yves-Cousteau, Fabien has devoted his life to his passion for marine education, research and connecting the new generation to our ocean. Fabien believes it is not only his mission, but our collective responsibility to inspire individuals and equip communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to restore, protect and ensure the health of our vast oceans throughout the world.
The Need is URGENT
A Planet at Risk
Now, more than ever, the world is in desperate need and it requires us to focus its attention and resources on our ocean. The planet struggles against climate change and water pollution, among other important challenges resulting in the degradation of entire ecosystems. Our oceans have been plundered and marine diversity is in a free-fall.
​
Today when the need is most urgent, the FCOLC is focusing efforts to protect, conserve and connect to our ocean in order to help the world change course.
​
Like his renowned grandfather, Jacques Yves-Cousteau, Fabien has devoted his life to his passion for marine education, research and connecting the new generation to our ocean. Fabien believes it is not only his mission, but our collective responsibility to inspire individuals and equip communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to restore, protect and ensure the health of our vast oceans throughout the world.
Make a Difference
The Inspiration
Mission 31, the birthplace of new ideas
In June 2014, Fabien Cousteau and his team of aquanauts embarked on Mission 31, the longest science expedition to take place at Aquarius, the world’s only underwater marine laboratory, located nine miles off the coast of the Florida Keys, and 63 feet beneath the sea.
Fabien’s epic Mission 31 expedition broke new ground in ocean exploration and honored the 50th anniversary of his grandfather, Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s original 30-day underwater living experiment known as Conshelf Two.
For 31 straight days, Fabien and his team kept the importance of the ocean in the news, classrooms, businesses and homes worldwide broadcasting each moment live on multiple channels, and exposing the world to the adventure, drama and mystique of what lies beneath.
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Most importantly, Mission 31 gave birth to the idea for the Fabien Cousteau Ocean Learning Center. The proven success and global reach of Mission 31 confirmed the need for the FCOLC to create programs designed to inspire and empower individuals to restore and protect the ocean in their own backyard and, in doing so, ensure the health of our vast waters throughout the world.
Results
of Mission 31
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Accelerated Research: 3 years of equivalent research performed in 31 days
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Experiential Education: 100,000 students reached via virtual sessions as a part of the mission’s STEAM-themed (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) Skype in the Classroom
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Discoveries: 12 scientific studies and 9,800 published articles with Universities including Northeastern, MIT, University of North Florida
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Media Impact: 34 billion impressions
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Innovation: Tested 7 different disruptive technologies
Check out more Mission 31 adventures here
Our Team
Board Members
(Click photos for bios)
Fabien Cousteau
Founder & President
Storm Boswick
Board Member
Courtney Brady
Board Member
![Joy Chaillou[63].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/df73f4_a70cf22b50484c61acff6eae4d8137e7~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_0,w_2100,h_2098/fill/w_167,h_167,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Joy%20Chaillou%5B63%5D.jpg)
Joy Chaillou
Board Member
Fiona Geisinger
Board Member
Matt Gilbert
Board Member
Justin Muir
Board Member
David Sattler
Board Member
Rachel Truair
Board Member
Ocean Ambassadors
Behind the Scenes
(Click photos for bios)
Dr. Pamela Fletcher
Program Director
Zoe Georgiou
Designer & Social Media Coordinator
![IMG_8344[71].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/df73f4_5a634e06b9064cacb99b6b6218cad66f~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_626,y_690,w_1741,h_1740/fill/w_167,h_167,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/IMG_8344%5B71%5D.jpg)
Henry Cowhey
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Intern - Research
Martin Molina
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Program Manager
Marvin Hernandez Pavon
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Project Administrator - Nicaragua
![IMG_5796[5].HEIC](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/df73f4_aee8bab720814ce097c21d3821ade052~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_0,y_504,w_3024,h_3024/fill/w_167,h_167,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/IMG_5796%5B5%5D_HEIC.png)
Robby Harper
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Intern - Research
Dr. Kenneth Kruz
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Curriculum Development Consultant
Aracelly de los Angeles Parrales Ortega
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Project Coordinator - Nicaragua
Destiny Sparks​
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Intern - Research
Maureen Hall
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Curriculum Development Consultant
![IMG_2752[48].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/df73f4_2a9acd1a75704ab8b52e83f41c0da2dd~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_0,w_581,h_581/fill/w_167,h_167,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/IMG_2752%5B48%5D.jpg)
Felicity Amoroso-Wall
Intern - Sea Turtle Program
Volunteeer Spotlight
Cam Shaw
Cameron is pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Teaching and Learning with a specialization in Language & Literacy Learning in Multilingual Settings at the University of Miami (UM). Before reaching this milestone, she received her Master of Professional Science degree from the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science working towards her goal of being a marine conservationist with a focus in education and outreach. During her time there, she was hired as project coordinator for the Miami-Dade Ocean Explorers Education and Outreach event, an immersive STEM field trip at UM for 100 middle and high school students from high-needs education districts across Miami. Continuing her work with the university and expanding to nearby Latin countries, Cameron hopes to enhance marine science education and inspire young students within these under-resourced communities to believe in their potential and recognize that their future passions are achievable and supported.
As a volunteer intern at FCOLC, Cameron is working closely with Dr. Pamela Fletcher, FCOLC’s Program Director and partners on the upcoming Horizons Project at Black Point Park and Marina in Miami, Florida. With her strong background in K-12 education and outreach, she was selected as the Project and Education Coordinator and is leading the design of the summer pilot test, fall curriculum, and final development of a restoration education module that can be adapted to other geographic regions and audiences. Cameron is in the process of creating templates for the education module to be sent to a nearby high school before the start of the fall term and is developing essential pre- and post-survey checks to be implemented during the summer pilot test and fall event. She also has experience in graphic design and marketing, and has been leading the FCOLC social media accounts along with marketing the Horizons Project and outreach activities.
Two truths and a lie:
- Cameron owns a Saint Bernard that weighs 200lbs.
- Cameron has been dive certified for 2 years.
- Cameron’s favorite marine animal is a whale shark.
If you guessed the second option as the lie, you are CORRECT! Cameron just recently received her PADI Open Water SCUBA Certification in May of 2023. Since her certification, Cameron has been diving across Miami, the Florida Keys, and Venice while swimming with dolphins, eagle rays, and going shark tooth hunting!
A special THANK YOU to our program partners for their continued support!
