Alexandra’s advocacy for oceans started at the age of 8.
During her grandfather’s campaign to save Antarctica, Alexandra gathered hundreds of signatures for his petition to prevent mining and oil drilling in this last remaining pristine, untouched continent. She watched as he started petitions, released films, and lobbied the French and American governments, spearheading a global campaign to save the Antarctic.
As a result, a new international agreement, the Environmental Protection Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty, was signed, banning mining indefinitely and committing signatories to ‘the comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment.’ This extraordinary piece of international environmental law pre-emptively and successfully protected an entire continent. For Alexandra, it was a revelation and a source of deep inspiration.
Today, Alexandra regularly works with elected leaders at the highest levels, as well as corporate and NGO leaders around the world, to develop and implement strategies that scale our collective ability to restore ocean abundance. Her global network of policymakers and industry experts allows her to drive change at the intersection of science, policy, and corporate responsibility, ensuring that oceans remain a priority on the international stage. Since her early advocacy, she has always been involved in ocean conservation in some way—whether advocating for the expansion of marine protected areas, educating consumers about sustainable seafood, conducting deep sea surveys, rescuing dolphins and manatees, or investigating the impacts of oil spills and agricultural runoff on sensitive coastal zones.
Oceans 2050
Alexandra Cousteau co-founded Oceans 2050 with a bold vision of restoring the ocean’s ecosystems to their former abundance.
Under her leadership, the organization is committed to not just conserving what remains, but actively rebuilding marine biodiversity, restoring critical habitats, and revitalizing the ocean’s natural ability to sustain life. Alexandra’s mission is to go beyond protection—she seeks to reverse the damage done and create a future where the oceans are once again teeming with life.
Through Oceans 2050, Alexandra brings together scientists, policymakers, businesses, and communities to develop scalable, science-based solutions for ocean restoration. By leveraging innovative technologies and fostering global collaboration, the organization is charting a path toward a thriving ocean by 2050, one that supports both human well-being and ecological balance. This ambitious vision of ocean abundance is essential for ensuring an abundant ocean for generations to come.
From Science to Action
Oceans 2050 was founded on the basis of Professor Carlos Duarte's landmark paper Rebuilding Marine Life (Nature), the most cited ocean climate paper of 2020, which lays out a roadmap for restoring ocean abundance by 2050.
Build Mission Control
for the Oceans
To develop an action plan for the regeneration of our oceans and guide the return of abundant ecosystems.
Accelerate Restoration Technology
To develop and advance technologies and engineering for cost-effective ocean restoration.
Power Collective
Action Globally
To make active restoration ubiquitous, easy and gratifying, like the tools we use in our daily lives.
Oceana
Alexandra has been deeply involved in Oceana’s efforts to reduce overfishing in countries that control a third of the world’s wild fish catch, aiming to increase ocean biodiversity and ensure a sustainable seafood supply for the future.
As the largest NGO dedicated solely to ocean conservation, Oceana uses science-based campaigns to tackle overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction, empowering individuals and communities to protect marine ecosystems.
Since joining Oceana as a Senior Adviser in 2011, Alexandra has worked to raise awareness and support for the organization’s critical work. She has participated in expeditions, events, and campaigns, advocating for science-driven policies like catch limits, reducing harmful subsidies, and combating illegal fishing. Her dedication helps propel Oceana’s mission to wider audiences and drive meaningful change for the world’s oceans.