The Protect Wild Dolphins plate is now available at all S.C. DMV offices. As of July 27, a new

Protect Wild Dolphins specialty license plate is available at all S.C. DMV offices. The funds earned from the specialty plate fees will be used by EarthEcho International, Inc. (www.ProtectDolphin. org) for scientific and educational programs that serve to restore and protect the ocean environment and freshwater systems that sustain life on earth and to protect the sentinel species - wild dolphins.

As a member of the legendary Cousteau family, Philippe Cousteau is continuing the work of his father through EarthEcho International, Inc., the non- profit organization he founded with his sister, Alexandra and mother, Jan, and of which he serves as CEO. EarthEcho will be working closely with local organizations and agencies. Cousteau met with key community conservation leaders at the S.C. Aquarium in Charleston last month.

Philippe Cousteau is the 29- year- old son of Jan and Philippe Cousteau Sr., and the grandson of Captain Jacques- Yves Cousteau, the iconic oceanographer. He states, "South Carolina has a strong marine heritage and a dynamic and beautiful environment. This program will work with strong partners to enhance ocean and marine mammal education and conservation throughout the state and empower its citizens to be active stewards of the environment."

Phillipe Cousteau poses with the new S.C. license plate. "This is a very exciting time and a great opportunity to engage people in South Carolina in support of ocean and marine mammal conservation," states Dr. Patricia Fair, director of the Marine Mammal Program, NOAA, Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research in Charleston.

"Jacques- Yves Cousteau helped us all to understand the largely unknown ocean and his grandchildren, Philippe and Alexandra, share his passion for exploration, education, and preservation of the ocean," said Paula Keener- Chavis, director of Education Pro- grams for NOAA's Office of Ocean Exploration and Research. "This project continues that important work here in South Carolina and educates the public about a species that can tell us so much about the health of our coastal ecosystems."