Celebrated aquanaut, ocean explorer and environmentalist Fabien Cousteau, grandson of Jacques Cousteau, has unveiled his plans for Proteus, described as the most advanced underwater scientific research station and habitat in the world.
Fabien Cousteau's Proteus. Concept designs by Yves Béhar and fuseproject. Credit: FCOLC
The concept design for Fabien Cousteau's Proteus by Yves Béhar and fuseproject. Credit: FCOLC
The project aims to address some of humanity's most pressing issues including food sustainability, medicinal discoveries, and the impacts of climate change.
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Developed by the Fabien Cousteau Ocean Learning Center (FCOLC), Proteus is being billed as the subsea equivalent of the International Space Station and is set to be a global collaborative platform for researchers, academics, companies and government agencies to advance scientific endeavour and work towards the future of the planet.
"As our life support system, the ocean is indispensable to solving the planet's biggest problems. Challenges created by climate change, rising sea levels, extreme storms and viruses represent a multi-trillion-dollar risk to the global economy. Proteus, contemplated as the first in a network of underwater habitats, is essential to driving meaningful solutions to protect the future of our planet", said Cousteau.
"The knowledge that will be uncovered underwater will forever change the way generations of humans live up above".
Proteus is being proposed as "the largest and most technologically advanced underwater station ever built" and will enable marine scientists a space to conduct year-round data collection.
Cousteau said the project will also enable the discovery of new marine life species, create a better understanding of how climate change affects the ocean, and allow for testing of green power, aquaculture and robotic exploration technologies.
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Labs in the underwater research station will allow for the processing of organic samples in real-time. Previously such specimen samples would have to be taken on the long journey back to the surface, where they could rapidly degrade or die.
In a press release, the FCOLC said that onsite experimentation would result in an "advanced pipeline" for the development of new medical developments such as cancer treatments, vaccines and antibiotics.
Proteus' initial sketches. Credit: FCOLC
Proteus' initial sketches. Credit: FCOLC
"Living underwater gives the gift of time and the incredible perspective of being a resident on the reef. You're not just a visitor anymore", said marine biologist, explorer and Ocean Ambassador of the FCOLC, Sylvia Earle.
Proteus will be located off of the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao, at a depth of 18 metres (60 feet), in richly biodiverse marine-protected waters.
Dr Ivan Steve Martina, Minister of Economic Development for Curaçao, said: "We are delighted to be home to Proteus. Our incredible Caribbean Sea holds immense riches yet to be fully discovered. The economic potential of having the first underwater space station located in Curaçao's waters is enormous, from job creation to tourism".
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The underwater research station will also feature a continuous live video stream for educational programming purposes.
Proteus' strategic partners include Northeastern University, Rutgers University, and marine NGO, the Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity (CARMABI). The initial concept design was co-conceived by industrial designer, Yves Béhar and his firm fuseproject.
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