WILLEMSTAD - Ocean researcher and conservationist Fabien Cousteau will build the most advanced underwater habitat and "International Ocean Space Station" in Curaçao. Cousteau is currently exploring the island to determine the exact location near Santa Barbara for the station, which is expected to be completed in early 2024.
Curaçao has been selected for its easily accessible coral reef and the exceptionally rich biodiversity in the maritime ecosystems. The maritime research and observation platform will measure around 370 square meters. On land, a 2,300-square-meter building will be erected nearby to house the dozens of people needed to keep the station's operation running smoothly.
The project will not only create short-term jobs in construction in the twelve months following the start of construction work, but will also require 25 full-time employees to carry out ongoing operations for Proteus. The project will generate an estimated $ 1.2 million in annual salaries, it was announced yesterday.
The Proteus project plan was presented yesterday afternoon by Fabien Cousteau, grandson of the famous French underwater researcher Jacques Cousteau.