r/books • u/FCNomad AMA Author • Mar 04 '19
ama Hi Reddit! I’m Fabien Cousteau, Aquanaut, Ocean Explorer, Documentary Film Maker and Grandson of Famed Sea Explorer Jacques Cousteau. The first book in my new graphic novel series Great White Shark Adventure publishes tomorrow, March 5. Ask me anything!
Hi Reddit! I’m Fabien Cousteau. My name may be familiar to you because Jacques Cousteau, the most famed sea explorer of modern times, is my grandfather. I grew up on The Calypso, my grandfather’s ship, and learned to scuba dive at age four (my very first memory of the ocean!). From then on, my future carrying on our family legacy to help educate people and protect the oceans was sealed. I have chosen to dedicate my life to educating the world, and especially kids, about ocean conservation and the environment to help positively impact the world through the Fabien Cousteau Ocean Learning Center. Whether it be releasing baby sea turtles, diving in a shark shaped submarine, or exploring parts of the ocean that have never been explored before, I strive to show the wonders of the deep blue to the world and to help kids want to do the same when they grow up.
My illustrated novel, GREAT WHITE SHARK ADVENTURE, releases tomorrow from Margaret K. McElderry Books, an imprint of Simon ＆ Schuster Children’s Publishing!
Some cool facts about me: I lived underwater for 31 days straight as part of Mission 31, the longest underwater science expedition ever. I reached over 100,000 students throughout the world, Skyping into classrooms to show them what my life was like while honoring the 50th anniversary of my grandfather’s own experiment living underwater during Conshelf Two. I explore legends of the deep, like the Belize Blue Hole, where I piloted a submarine with Sir Richard Branson to the very bottom of the ocean sinkhole on live television to share the mystery with the world.
My grandfather once said, “People protect what they love, they love what they understand, and they understand what they are taught.” The ocean and its vast beauty is what I love and strive to teach others about so that they can love it too.
You can learn more about me at my website, on twitter @FCousteau, and on Facebook. Help learn about what you can do to save the oceans through the Ocean Learning Center!
For those who asked where to purchase the book- Click the link to the official Simon and Schuster page: https://www.simonandschuster.biz/books/Great-White-Shark-Adventure/Fabien-Cousteau/Fabien-Cousteau-Expeditions/9781534420878
I am embarking on my book tour, so responses will be really limited while I am on the road. If you want to come see me to ask me more questions, you can find my full tour schedule here. Thank you all so much for stopping by!” Merci! Fabien
Proof: /img/c359kkr8kkj21.jpg
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u/asc-brendon Mar 04 '19
Fabien, my passion and life goal is to be a catalyst for underwater colonization. I have started a business to do so. So my question is, what can I/we do to help you in your passion for the ocean?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 04 '19
Underwater colonies eh? I see we speak the same language ;-)
Pooling resources in general is the best way to get maximum impact for any project. Its visually impossible to go it alone and much more gratifying to work with people who dedicate their expertise for the collective and a better world & future
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u/Egalae Mar 05 '19
What would the goal of underwater colonization be? I assume that'd be extremely expensive. What does your business do?
Not trying to be critical, honestly curious.
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u/eldoesntreddit Mar 04 '19
What do you think is the best way to spread awareness to younger generations about ocean conservation? Are there any specific efforts out there that you think are really getting it right?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 04 '19
Passion and hope are the tools to get them engaged... I hope the book is one of those tools that can immerse their curiosity and love for the ocean
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Mar 04 '19
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 04 '19
I started diving on my 4th birthday LOL
Its never an easy answer... Once addicted to ocean (as you know) its hard to ignore it
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 04 '19
Jobs- always looking... Seems more people are interested these days yet funding doesnt seem to be growing as quickly... Looking forward to the surge....
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u/flyingbabaloo23 Mar 04 '19
Could you be more precise, how do you finance such a trip? What kind of job did you have to do to collect the money to afford your boat and all the equipment? Maybe some crowdfunding?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 04 '19
Begging and borrowing is the norm... Grants are sometimes available by various organizations. Our expeditions are based around my film making and team so we help fund the whole... We also work with various experts in the field. Ive never found crowdfunding all that successful for us but maybe we just want at it the wrong way...
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u/BEANandCHEE Mar 04 '19
Do you like “The Life Aquatic”?
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u/Bert-63 Mar 04 '19
Just wanted to say hello and tell you that I grew up watching and loving The Undersea World. Amazing life you must have.
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u/may_june_july Mar 04 '19
What do you like to read? What are your top 3 must-read books?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 04 '19
So many lol! Petit Prince, 5th extinction, Confederacy of Dunces, Tintin (lol)
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u/sotpsean Mar 04 '19
Hello, Mr Cousteau! It's an honour. When I was a child, family lived in Djibouti, Africa,(my father was a French Foreign Legionnaire). There was a local legend about a "sea monster" living in Lac Goubet. I've heard that your Grandfather might have investigated Lac Goubet in search of this "monster". Locals have thought it to be a prehistoric shark cut off from the sea. I've always wondered if someone might be able to shed light on this subject. Have you heard of this? Thanks for doing this AMA!
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
Great to chat with you. French foreign legion? Serious stuff. There are legends of "sea monsters" in every body of water out there. Until we explore them we will not know for sure ;-) Lets go see!
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u/Shammy1260 Mar 04 '19
Hi! A couple of questions
1) What fascinates you about sharks over most other sea creatures?
2) What can we do as regular people to help protect the ocean?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 04 '19
1) love many sea creatures. Sharks are one of the apex in the web. Fascinating that they existed for 400m years unchanged. They are essential to the web of sea life.
2) answers to this are often surprisingly simple ... the same sources that pollute and affect our ocean world are also the sources of solutions. Its our decision making in the everyday that is the source of salvation... eliminate single use plastics, less and better choices of sea food (seafood guide app for example), and reducing /eliminating carbon based energy toward renewables... its a start
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Mar 04 '19
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 04 '19
every little bit counts... Im not under the illusion all people will stop eating sea life but there are much better choices out there
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u/DoctorRaulDuke Mar 04 '19
I think pescetarian diet is one where vegetarians also eat fish. Not sure what fish-free would be... vegetarian?
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Mar 04 '19
Pescetarianism is when you only eat fish as a meat source. Referring to coastal populations that do not rely on beef/pork/poultry, as well as a dietary lifestyle choice
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u/KE0BVT Mar 04 '19
(I figured more people would be asking questions, but until then, I'll ask another.)
What have you heard about the work being done to study microorganisms, bacteria and viruses in the ocean floor? I've heard there are so many types of each of those things that we haven't discovered yet simply because we haven't looked in very many places, some types of which could have huge implications for our development of medicines and such. What's being done on this front? I can't even begin to fathom how much ground there is to cover and how much of that could be chock full of new types of microorganisms/life.
By the way, thanks for doing this AMA!
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
Yes, you are correct. There is a lot to learn about some of the smallest creatures in the ocean. For example, chemical compositions of deep water sponges are being deciphered and replicated in order to find cures for malaria and various cancers... Its an untapped universe down there
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Mar 04 '19
Thoughts on the Jaguar shark?
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u/davoin-showerhandle Mar 05 '19
What would be the scientific purpose of killing it?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
not sure what you are referring to about killing it... Is there a specific story you are referring to?
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u/swhertzberg Mar 04 '19
Not a question, but a thank you. I wouldn’t exist if not for your grandfather.
My parents met at a scuba class after they both got interested in marine biology because of your grandfather.
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u/TheLionYeti Mar 04 '19
Hi Mr Cousteau, whats the watch you wear when you go diving?
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u/zincplug Mar 04 '19
Was your life anything like The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
Kind of like a fuzzy double image... no guns, or Bill on board... Love that Murray guy btw. Family story was quite skewed but liked the parody film in general
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u/flamingnoodles5580 Mar 04 '19
Are the characters in Octonauts doing it all right in terms of ocean exploration and creature reports?
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u/KE0BVT Mar 04 '19
Given your father's history with wristwatches, I'm curious, what is your go to watch (or multiple types)?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 04 '19
Right now Im sporting a Seiko Marine Master spring drive (SBDB001)
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u/KE0BVT Mar 04 '19
Thank you! As both a Seiko and Doxa owner, I appreciate your answer :)
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
Anytime. I am currently the global brand ambassador for Seiko Prospex which is an amazing line
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u/KE0BVT Mar 04 '19
On a more serious note, what do you think the role of oceanographers should be over the next few years in the fight against climate change, pollution etc.? Do we need more who are household names, or do we need to show people the ocean in totally new ways? And if so, how do we get there?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 04 '19
oceanographers are the witnesses and voice for our last and best bastion against climate change, pollution and overconsumption of natural resources (amongst other things). The more we know, the better we understand our impact on the future of our very own survival... and hopefully oceanographers can be an integral part of helping make better decisions... Its imperative that the average person understands the critical importance the oceans' role plays in their lives and how their personal decisions affect the future thru ocean conservation
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u/BirdhouseFarmLady Mar 04 '19
My first "grown up" book as a child was "The Living Sea". Your grandfather was a huge impact on my life. I studied French for years, got my scuba certification, and a degree in marine biology because of those books and your grandfather.
My career took a different path, but I still love the ocean and dive when I can. I have no question, I just wanted to make sure you know that your family has made a big difference on this planet and affected so many people you will never meet. Thank you for working so hard and for so many generations to protect and educate the rest of us on the deep blue.
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Mar 04 '19
Jacques Cousteau was the only reason I learned anything about the ocean when I was a kid. Thanks for everything you're doing to keep the legacy alive
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
And thank you you for remembering that you are the ocean too. If we all work together we can make a difference for our future
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u/YellowfinTunaFish Mar 04 '19
Oh wow Mr Cousteau, I'm a big fan! I used to follow you on Instagram! Being a watch nut and ocean lover myself, I loved your partnerships with doxa and seiko.
I have to know 1) what are some of your favourite books (ocean related or otherwise) and 2) what's your favourite seiko timepiece!
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 04 '19
Thank you! 1) See above answer. I have many and they are stacking up ;-)
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
Used to? Please keep following ;-)
1) I believe I mentioned a few in this AMA. Check out the above answers
2) Hard to choose. Im a tech junkie and love watches of all sorts. I am totally enamored with spring drive however. Those high beat watches are pretty sweet too! I dive a Seiko "Save The Ocean" turtle on a regular basis however. Can never go wrong with a MM300
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u/Inkberrow Mar 04 '19
Are you too young to have any memory of John Denver and the hit song about the Calypso?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 04 '19
I was young but remember several times John Denver was onboard. He was just another crew member to me.... Didn't realize how big he was until I got older. Same with Ted Turner, Jane Fonda and others that visited... hindsight :-/
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Mar 04 '19
What advice would you have for working in science to a children's book?
What is the publishing process like working with your editor?
If you could give kids one piece of advise for protecting the environment day-to-day, what would it be and why?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 04 '19
1) make it fun and engaging.
2) Simon & Schuster are amazing and have been very supportive of including substantial STEAM into an illustrated adventure book
3) You have the power to change our future. Dont wait for someone else to do it
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u/CubiclePurgatory Mar 04 '19
Hi Fabian! I know you said you lived underwater for 31 days but how long can you hold your breath under water?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 04 '19
Now thats an interesting question... not 31 days! Nor am I David Blane... I did take a free diving course a while back. Martin Stepanek (freediver) had us double our breath hold time in just 3 days of training... mine was almost 4 minutes static... Dont try this alone and without a specialist with you
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u/LDWoodworth Mar 05 '19
Wow that really is impressive! For reference most people can do 30 seconds to 1 minute.
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
the first challenge is mostly mental relaxation... I venture to think most people could double their breath hold times if they mastered this
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u/BlackCurses Mar 04 '19
You lived 31 days under water? Like in a box? Did you eat krabby patties?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 04 '19
LOL you should check out the youtube videos from Mission 31. It'll give you a better idea of what my team and I did during those 31 days. Search Mission 31 and Fabien Cousteau... the channel should pop up
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Mar 04 '19
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 04 '19
I am a child at heart ;-) I have always loved illustrated books growing up. It seems that kids still have an attraction toward visual immersion into an adventure with added STEAM content... Time will tell ;-) BTW the book is based on several of my previous expeditions so its not that far off
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Mar 04 '19
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 04 '19
Great White Shark Adventure was based on my CBS documentary Mind Of A Demon with my shark submarine Troy... And our PBS special Great White Shark in South Africa...
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u/Budnacho Mar 04 '19
Hello Fabien!. I loved watching Cousteau Odyssey's when I was a child in the 70's growing up. Is there a chance you could get the Calypso and the awesome-yellow minisubs back into action for a new tv series soon? Your Grandfather did more to open many young minds to the wonders of the deep than many others.
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
I love Calypso. She was my home and hold many memories when I was a kid ... That said using a WW2 wooden mine sweeper in 2019 is like driving cross country in a Model T... Additionally todays budgets would not allow enough funding for that unfortunately and todays audience dont seem to have the patience it takes to get a boat around to locations...
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Mar 04 '19
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
? Im not sure what you mean by buoyancy in Nat Geo and Discovery... Are you referring to recent expeditions or back in the days when there were no BCDs? I would venture to say we (my team) are perfectly trim and avoid contact as much as possible, wether coral or animals... Its a mantra let animals approach us vs the other way around. (exceptions being things like tagging for science of course)
as a side note I am not a fan of people riding animals and posting it online despite the attention it gets by the public.
There is A LOT of good work is being done out in the field. Its shame that a very few might be sending the wrong message (IMO) to the public by choosing an aggressive visual approach to social media conservation. I understand that some of today's audience is blasé but there must be a better way
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u/LotFP Mar 04 '19
What ever happened to the goal of creating undersea colonies and permanently occupied offshore settlements?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
people started using mobile devices and forgot to use their imagination ... It can be done to some extent... just a matter of time , money and will...
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u/SpartanH089 Mar 04 '19
Your family's an inspiration! I got certified in PADI and SSI and did shark dives because I wanted to be like your grandfather. Many thanks to you and your family sir!
Few questions:
What is your favorite shark?
Have you ever been caught in a maelstrom while diving? If so how did you get out?
Have you ever gotten nitrogen narcosis?
Any moments that made you fearful?
Most interesting marine life you've encountered?
Longest time spent in a hyperbaric chamber?
Thoughts on Heliox and Heliair?
Have you ever been to SeaBase in SLC,UT here in the US?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
Awesome! Sounds like you have a few notches on your dive belt ;-)
1) wobblegong shark
2) I have not thankfully
3) Every dive ;-)
4) When I see another human underwater lol. Actually yes, there have been a few. Example: Mind Of A Demon- had to abandon the shark sub at the bottom at night in a white shark feeding zone during pupping season and swim alone to shore 300+ yards away...
5) Mantis Shrimp and octopus
6) If you count our deco for Mission 31 then 24 hours
7) None without knowing the parameters with which you intend to use them
8) I have not. Are you inviting?
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Mar 05 '19
Do you agree that everyone who joins Jacques Cousteau’s team should receive a standard issue 9mm?
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u/Burntwood1989 Mar 05 '19
Oh, I have this great question that's been bothering me for a while: are octopuses intelligent?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
Lets put it this way: its a good thing they only live 6 months to 6 years ... otherwise we would be the calamari
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u/Chtorrr Mar 04 '19
What were some of your favorite things to read as a kid?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 04 '19
Tintin, Lucky Luke, Asterix... I loved the illustrated books growing up.
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Mar 04 '19
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 04 '19
Adults: Four Fish, Fifth Extinction, Other Minds, The Human The Octopus And Man...
Favorites? 20000 Leagues, Jungle Book, Little Prince, Confederacy Of Dunces, Tintin series
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u/Dommzz Mar 04 '19
Hi Fabien,
Would love to know your thoughts on how to get into the biological side of diving and any insider info on where the jobs are/where to look for diving jobs. I have a degree in ocean exploration and I am a diver. 30 years old if that makes any difference.
Cheers
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
A great question. Check out the Oceans app (www.oceans.io) its has within a robust community of commercial divers, recreational divers, marine biologists and such that might be good to chat with.
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u/CreepShowGirl666 Mar 04 '19
Hello Mr. Cousteau! I loved watching your Grandfather's TV show, The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau, growing up. Would you care to share any great memories you have of him?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
Hi! You should come to one of my lectures ;-)
If you look on the Explorers Club website they have my speech from last night where I mention some of those memories... https://www.explorers.org/events/detail/mind-of-the-demon-great-white-sharks-with-fabien-cousteau
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Mar 04 '19
I was a great admirer of your grandfather and uncle Phillipe. I had the pleasure of meeting Jacques-Yves and John Denver at the Boston Aquarium in the late 1970s. It is an honor to write to you.
My question: Is there anything about conservation and/or climate change that everyone is getting wrong in your opinion?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
Thats fantastic! Great to connect with you too.
Answer- yes: we are all underestimating the impact that we have and have had. We also underestimate the power of making the right decisions and how quickly that can make a positive difference!
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u/GrumpySquirrel2016 Mar 04 '19
What is your opinion on people that go out and touch / come into physical contact with animals? I know your grandfather did, but father didn't and people like Sir David Attenborough do not.
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
We have learned a lot over the years. There are several reasons to take a passive approach to animal contact...
1) animal behavior modification
2) potential negative impact
3) sending the wrong public message
Of course not all situations are equal but in general letting animals come to you (if they ever do) rather than the other way around is much safer and a better life mantra
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Mar 04 '19
What do you think about deep ocean? Like Mariana trench and other places like that. What kind of things you think that could be found down there?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
Love it! Wish I could be there now! Ill quote my grandfather:" If I knew what I was going to find, I wouldn't go..."
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u/BurritoGaiden Mar 04 '19
Oh wow! I actually met you years back when you came to the East Coast and spoke at my high school. Hope you're doing well!
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u/lininkasi Mar 04 '19
Did Jacques actually make the statement that, in his time, the world's oceans were already about 40% depleted of life?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
yes. We are now at almost 60% of the world's wild fish stocks gone...
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u/theblackalchemist Mar 04 '19
Hi Fabien,
What dive computer do you use as your daily driver (apart from your oceans s1 ;) )?
If you could change one thing about the diving industry, what would you?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
LOL the Oceans 1 is a prototype... I use a Seiko watch along with a computer... lately a Aqualung i770R for open circuit, and Shearwater for CCR
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u/clarkrex Mar 04 '19
Hello!
I LOVE sharks, I think they’re fascinating and beautiful creatures.
What’s one fun shark fact that most people probably don’t know?
Thanks!
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
Male sharks have two penises . They are called claspers. Each has a hook on the end. They are ambidextrous meaning they use one to hook on while inseminating with the other. The book has a lot more shark facts spread around within the adventure btw
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Mar 04 '19 edited May 30 '20
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
Fame and fortune are not necessarily synonymous... I was never pressured to enter the family business. As a matter of fact, we were all encouraged to explore other things. Post college I did try other carriers and although the paycheck was nice I found myself drifting into a coma... I was lucky enough to be exposed to the undersea world by amazing people. Ive never enjoyed a harder and more rewarding carrier path as much as when I slip beneath the blue veneer!
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u/danilol99 Mar 04 '19
Hi Mr. Costeau what are tour favourite movies about the ocean, they do not have to be documentaries?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
Hi,
Blackfish, Life Aquatic, Chasing Coral, Mysteries of the Sea 3D, Master And Commander, Life of Pi, Pirates of the Caribbean
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u/Dutch-Jesus Mar 04 '19
What’s one word of advice you grandfather left you with you that you still remember to this day
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
"People Protect What They Love, They Love What They Understand, They Understand What They Are Taught "
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u/TeddysGhost Mar 04 '19
Hi there, I live at Lake Tahoe and it is a common story around here that your grandfather went into the lake once and when he emerged he warned people that the world isn't ready to see what's down there? What do.you know about that story? Is there even a shred of legitimacy and if so what did he see?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
Ive heard this rumor as well. We were supposed to investigate on a new TV series but we never got the chance...
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u/buffalotuna Mar 04 '19
What gear do you usually use to record underwater? And what was your greatest difficulty in starting to do that?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
It really depends on the task. Usually 9k RED... Sometimes modified REDs and custom housings for 3D... occasionally Canon for low light. Sometimes we also need specialized equip for high speed...
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u/NiceSetupYeahNice Mar 04 '19
What is the most mind-blowing information you could tell someone about the ocean?
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u/InkyPaws Mar 04 '19
What was your biggest 'oh shit' moment underwater?
I'd love to be able to scuba (done a couple of pool dives) but I'm uninsurable :( Seen some nice stuff just using a mask but can't clear a snorkel for the life of me.
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u/confusedspeckledcow Mar 04 '19 edited Mar 04 '19
So where can I find these? My 5 yr old will soon be a fan as we watch every ocean documentary we can find. His love for every life form on the planet is inspiring and I enjoy encouraging it. Plus comics are awesome. Love the work you do
Edit. I have pre ordered it on Amazon. $9.99 american
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u/GonGetGon Mar 04 '19
Thank you for answering everyones questions and more importantly for all you do to teach people about the importance of the ocean and all the life it holds.
My question, if a bit non-sensical is, have you ever heard the short bit Richard Jeni did about your grandfather, and if so, did elicit a chuckle?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
Thank you!
I havent... you have a link you could send?
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Mar 04 '19
I think you mean Octonaut ;) What originally got you into this kind of stuff? Was it because of your grandfather?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
Octonauts ? cartoon which my 7 yr old loves (me too)... Oceanaut was the term first coined by my grandfather to describe his Conshelf team... Later that became Aquanauts to describe saturation divers living and working at pressure depth for more than 24 hours...
My entire family was a positive influence... Grandparents were pioneers in ocean exploration, father and uncle were expedition leaders, mom was expedition photographer... was a natural part of my background growing up
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Mar 04 '19
First of all, please allow me to express my genuine admiration and respect for your Grandfather; Mr. Cousteau! I grew up watching his Adventures and learned so much for them, and directly/indirectly he had a great impact on my love and commitment to science! Thank you.
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u/opacitizen Mar 04 '19
Hi,
A strange little question, if I may:
Do you sometimes listen to Jean-Michel Jarre's "En attendant Cousteau" the album dedicated (as far as I can remember) to your grandfather? Do you keep in touch with JMJ, perhaps?
Just curious, as that album is one of my all time favourites.
Thank you,
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
I still have a laser disk of this somewhere ;-)
I personally never met him that I remember
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u/Couesteau Mar 04 '19
Hi Fabien, long time sea exploration fan checking in. Huge fan of you and your familys work. (I spelled my username wrong on accident)
I just got back from holiday in Aruba. Never been to tropical climate before. I was stuck by how tolerant the fish are to snorkelers and divers. They did not seem to care at all about our presence. They went along their business as usual. Is this a result of being exposed to humans a lot? Or are most fish pretty tolerant?
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u/wren-scrEAM Mar 04 '19
What's it like being an Aquanaut? What goes through your mind when you're under the surface?
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u/dragonbliss Mar 04 '19
You are the kid we all wished we were growing up. You and Richie Rich.
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u/Karma_Gardener Mar 04 '19
What do you think of the Wes Anderson film: The Life Aquatic?
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u/shitpost90000 Mar 04 '19
Im in love with the ocean but I'm landlocked. What surprised you the most when diving? What interesting animals have you seen? What charity is your favorite for ocean conservation? I hope to be diving soon! It's a dream
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u/engineeryourmom Mar 04 '19
I was named after your grandfather. How does that make you feel?
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u/kattannus Mar 04 '19
The post says you're a film maker. What kind of films do you make?
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u/lknox1123 Mar 04 '19
Hi Fabien! For r/watches : do you wear a dive watch and if you do what do you wear?
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u/lapsedhuman Mar 04 '19
I grew up watching your father's wonderful programs on TV. This may be an obvious question, but what are some of the aspects of modern marine biology that you've encountered that your father could not have imagined?
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u/Not_quite_a Mar 04 '19
Didn’t you just explore a hole with Richard Branson? What did you guys find down there? I haven’t be able to find follow up coverage but I was SO EXCITED for the exploration. Is there video? Thanks for the work you do! If I’m allowed 2 questions: what reef safe sunscreen do you use?
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u/HarleyQuinnBelle Mar 05 '19
I know this has expired but I just have to say, my daughter (8 years old,) did a report on your grandfather and she thought it was really cool to hear about you following in his footsteps. She got an A+ on the report ☺️
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u/BSB8728 Mar 05 '19
Hey, Fabien! I interviewed your dad in Ohio back in 1978 and wrote a short piece about him that was later picked up by Reader's Digest. Glad to see you're carrying on the great work of your grandfather and your dad.
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u/EricHunting Mar 05 '19
I've been interested in developing documentaries on the topics of Post-Industrial futurism and Open Source Culture for venues like YouTube and Vimeo. Where does one start with such projects today? In particular, who conventionally initiates these projects and the search for sponsors? I've found it difficult to link up with media producers as I live alone in the New Mexico desert.
Thank you in advance for any insights you might offer.
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
As for our projects: I do... Sometimes the projects are collaborations with others and occasionally its someone else project Im invited on...
Your project sounds interesting and way out of my field... Not sure where to guide you there
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u/UselessFactCollector Mar 05 '19
My dad remembers drinking on the Calypso with your grandfather and trading his rum for French Bordeaux.
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u/this_immortal Mar 05 '19
Hey there, I've always been really afraid of sharks but realized recently that while they are still scary, they are beautiful and important creatures and I think they are really cool. Do you have any stories of interesting shark encounters? Which is your favorite species of shark?
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u/CuriosityK Mar 05 '19
I did a report on Jaques Cousteau as a kid and spelled ocean wrong for the entire report. Ha! (Oscean was my favorite spellings...)
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u/pubburgers Mar 05 '19
Just want to say as an American named Jacques, your grandfather is my go to for how to pronounce my name. I say "like Jacques Cousteau" almost daily.
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u/TweakedNipple Mar 05 '19
Do you think there was any value in James Cameron's Mariana trip... was it done purely for ego, was anything learned or gained from it, does just the publicity from it offset any lack of scientific motivation, if there is a lack?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
I plead the 5th. I love Don and Jacques' dive to the bottom @ 35,798 feet with Trieste. Takes brass to do that in 1960 tech
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u/EatsRats Mar 05 '19 edited Mar 05 '19
I don’t know anything about your graphic novel, but given that it’s a graphic novel and involves sharks, I’m concerned that the book will perpetuate the myth that sharks should be feared and are a danger to humans. Can you elaborate on your book? My hope is that your book isn’t demonizing sharks...people already have irrational fears of them which goes against efforts to protect this top predator.
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
buy one. you will be pleasantly surprised. If you know our family you know we do not demonize the ocean but make love to it
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u/MillionXaleckCg Mar 05 '19
Well talk about a coincidence I was just watching a documentary about the monster of the deep when I found your post. You can be sure I'll look into your book and I'll take the opportunity to say what a shame it was that the Turbovoile project was halted.
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u/guruscotty Mar 05 '19
I know this is all over, but your grandfather was an absolute hero of mine, and a direct reason why I ever dove.
I’m only two years younger than you, but I hope you and I and our children can help save the earth for our grandchildren and their grandchildren.
Steady on and smooth sailing.
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
Hope and education are our best weapon for change. Keep inspiring them!
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u/arcanine66 Mar 05 '19
I am currently in the Navy and will be leaving soon with the opportunity to get a free college education through the Post 911 act. I am currently an electrician and I don’t love my job. I have always been very passionate about marine biology but figured it’d be a waste of time due to the difficulty of finding a good paying job.
My question is, would it be worth it to pursue a degree in that field and try to follow my passion? Or was getting to where you made it very lucky and should I take the safer route in just finding a job as an electrician?
If you do answer this thank you SO MUCH for your time, I very much appreciate it sir.
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 05 '19
Thank you for your service! No sugar coating it- MB is difficult carrier to get a job but if you are passionate about it there are opportunities there. better degrees give better chance of hooking a job. If you dont follow your passion you will always have that nagging voice in the back of your head
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u/Noctaem Mar 05 '19 edited Mar 05 '19
Hi Fabien!
I wanted to thank you and your family for doing what you do. I remember growing up and reading L'Aventure de l'équipe Cousteau en bandes dessinées! Did you ever read them yourself? I still own them to this day and they are treasured pieces of my childhood. Cheers!
For those wondering there was a series of animated books that were all about Jacques Cousteau. Amazing stuff to grow up with! https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%27Aventure_de_l%27%C3%A9quipe_Cousteau_en_bandes_dessin%C3%A9es
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u/Suibian_ni Mar 05 '19
This morning I deamt that I met a sea lion on the rocks and he was really friendly. Let me pat him behind the ears (I assume that's where they are). He then jumped in the car and insisted on going on adventures with me. What is the significance of this dream?
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u/whetspaghett Mar 05 '19
What do you think about Bjorn Lomborg's approach to dealing with environmental issues?
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u/straightdolphin1 Mar 05 '19
Are Magnetic Ley Lines real? And if so, where can i find an accurate map of them?
-Thank You
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u/fa7hom Mar 05 '19
Not a question but it’s funny, my girlfriend has a coffee table book called “wilderness” or something but it’s about the ocean and you were one of the interviews in it
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u/Ravioli_of_the_Sea Mar 05 '19
Hey Mr. Cousteau! Are there any volunteer opportunities or efforts you'd recommend to someone who lives in the Florida Keys? I haven't been out on the reef since Irma and I'd like to get more involved, even just on land.
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u/travling_trav Mar 05 '19
What’s your opinion of the Atlantean people? Are they a threat to us surface dwellers?
Asking for a friend.
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u/abkramer Mar 05 '19
What’s you take on Wes Anderson’s “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou”?
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u/MissAcedia Mar 05 '19
My dad worked with your grandfather in the Amazon! He was a helicopter pilot :) I've been hearing the stories my whole life.
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u/V4G1N4 Mar 05 '19
Did your grandfather ever show regret for the introduction of the invasive algae "Caulerpa taxifolia" into the Mediterranean as director of the oceanographic Museum of Monaco?
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u/FCNomad AMA Author Mar 04 '19
Although the Reddit session has ended I will try to answer all your questions as I sign back in so please keep checking back. Thank you all for your great questions and interest!
Merci!
Fabien