PROTEUS UPDATE: THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION OFF THE COAST OF CURAÇAO

Progress continues on PROTEUSTM the ambitious undersea exploration project which will be located off the coast of Curaçao close to the Santa Barbara Beach and Golf Resort. In March, a planning expedition, led by Fabien Cousteau took place in order to determine the exact site for the marine research and observation platform. PROTEUSTM will measure 370m2 and contain research laboratories, a video production studio, greenhouse, and living/sleeping quarters for 12 people. On land nearby, a 2,300m2 building will be constructed to house the dozens of people required to ensure operations on the station run smoothly. 

Writer: Úna Jansen 

PROTEUSTM is scheduled to be completed in late 2023/early 2024 and will require approximately 25 full-time employees to support operations. Once the marine habitat is built and installed, an estimated 500 visitors are expected to come to Curaçao each year for multi-week stays to assist research and media activities. Curaçao was chosen as the location for PROTEUSTM because of its rich biodiverse marine ecosystems and accessible coral reefs. The project aims to discover new species of marine life, create a better understanding of how climate change affects the ocean and test advanced new technologies for green power, aquaculture, diagnostics, and robotic exploration. Curaçao will also benefit from increased visibility through PROTEUSTM‘s marketing efforts which are expected to include a documentary, designed to encourage increased tourism to the island. A state-of-the-art production studio on PROTEUSTM will also boost the international profile of the island through worldwide live streaming of educational programming and content from both inside the station and the beautiful waters of Curaçao. 

Fabien Cousteau, who descends from the renowned lineage of underwater innovators and explorers, commented: “While having explored many coasts around the world, the pristine, biodiverse waters of Curaçao remain a favorite to dive in. I am continually impressed by the people on the island, and I look forward to further developing the initiatives to benefit Curaçao.” 

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