Aqualung, the leading global designer and manufacturer of dive and water sports gear, today announced one of the world’s most acclaimed wildlife photographers and co-founder of ocean conservation non-profit SeaLegacy Cristina “Mitty” Mittermeier is joining the brand as a global ocean ambassador. As part of the partnership, Mittermeier will exclusively use Aqualung, Apeks, and O.ME.R. products during all dive expeditions.
Mittermeier, an internationally recognized conservation photographer and activist, will help grow the brand globally alongside her partner, world-renowned wildlife photographer and SeaLegacy co-founder Paul Nicklen. The entire SeaLegacy crew will utilize the full range of industry-leading Aqualung, Apeks and O.ME.R. products from wetsuits, masks and fins to technical gear and regulators. Mittermeier and Nicklen are part of Aqualung’s elite roster of ambassadors at Aqualung including Philippe Cousteau Jr., Ashlan Gorse Cousteau and Greg Lecoeur.
“Joining this elite roster is an honor. I greatly admire my fellow Aqualung global ocean ambassadors for their work and passion for advocating for ocean protection. I consider them colleagues, mentors and friends,” said Mittermeier. “The support that we receive from Aqualung helps us focus on the why behind the what and how of our work. I’m very pleased to join the Aqualung family and look forward to making positive change together.”
Mittermeier founded the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP) in 2005 to provide a platform for photographers working on environmental issues. In 2014, Mittermeier co-founded SeaLegacy, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the ocean. SeaLegacy is a global network of storytellers who use their art and expertise in media and communications to fuel a community focused on restoring the ocean’s health and abundance. Mittermeier is a Sony Artisan of Imagery and was named one of National Geographic’s Adventurers of the Year in 2018. Her work has been published in hundreds of publications, including National Geographic Magazine, McLean’s and TIME.
“Cristina is an incredibly talented writer and photographer as well as a persuasive advocate for ocean conservation and we are fortunate to welcome her to the Aqualung family,” said Laurent Boury, Senior Vice President of Brands for the Aqualung Group. “We are thankful to Cristina and the entire SeaLegacy team for choosing to use Aqualung, Apeks, and O.ME.R. products to further their important work.”
Working with partners on the ground to amplify and expand the work they’re doing in the regions they know best, and through Tide grants, SeaLegacy works simultaneously on seven different but intertwined tipping points for increasing ocean health and abundance. They actively engage in the creation of marine protected areas, the restoration of degraded habitats, and initiatives to recast the ocean as a solution to climate change. The work also addresses putting a stop to the flow of plastic, rethinking fisheries, and working towards ocean justice and equity. Specific regions for this work in the coming months include the Eastern Tropical Pacific Seaboard, the Galåpagos and Antarctica.
To learn more about Mittermeier, go to https://cristinamittermeier.com/ or follow her on Instagram. To join SeaLegacy’s mission and become an advocate for ocean protection, visit The Tide. For more information about Aqualung products, visit Aqualung.com.
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About Aqualung Brand
Aqualung, part of the Aqualung Group, is the leading global designer and manufacturer of dive and water sports gear. Now available in more than 100 countries around the world, Aqualung pioneered the creation of modern diving equipment when Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau teamed with engineer Emile Gagnan in 1943 to develop the first “aqua-lung,” making underwater exploration possible. Aqualung is committed to providing sustainable, innovative, reliable, and easy-to-use products that allow adventure seekers to enjoy responsible water exploration and continues to set the industry standard for water sports equipment in technology, comfort, safety and design. For more information, visit www.aqualung.com.
