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Explorer and Film-maker James Cameron to be first patron of PML
8 June 2016
PML is thrilled to announce that James Cameron, world renowned explorer, environmentalist and film-maker, has joined PML as its first patron.
James Cameron is noted for his development of unprecedented deep ocean exploration vehicles and has received international accolades for his engineering innovation and enablement of research in the deep oceans. A National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, James Cameron's exploration pursuits have included a historic survey inside the Titanic wreck using robotic imaging of his own design, a ground-breaking forensic analysis of the Bismarck, and an investigation of hydrothermal vent sites. In 2012, James Cameron led his eighth deep ocean expedition to some of the deepest trenches in the world. His engineering team spent seven years building a unique manned submersible, the DEEPSEA CHALLENGER, capable of diving to the ocean’s greatest depths. On March 26, 2012, James Cameron made a record-breaking solo dive to the earth’s deepest point in the Challenger Deep, in the Mariana Trench, successfully setting a depth record of 35,787’, or nearly 7 miles (11 kilometers).James Cameron has personally logged more than 80 submersible dives, including 33 to the wreck of Titanic. These expeditions resulted in a number of acclaimed documentaries, including Ghosts of the Abyss, Expedition Bismarck, and Aliens of the Deep. As a director, writer and producer, he is responsible for some of the most memorable feature films of the past three decades: The Terminator, Aliens, The Abyss, Terminator 2: Judgement Day, True Lies, Titanic, and Avatar.
Along with his focus on ocean science, James Cameron is also passionately involved in sustainability issues related to climate change, energy policy, deforestation, and indigenous rights.
“I’m honoured to be a Patron of the Plymouth Marine Laboratory, a leading force in helping to increase our knowledge of the ocean and to combat the challenges it faces," James Cameron said. "I'm driven by the desire to pursue and expand our knowledge of the deep ocean and to inspire further exploration and discovery. Together, we’re working to promote a healthy ocean for us all”.
The announcement of the new patron was made today at the House of Lords, Westminster where key PML scientists had gathered for an event to showcase PML's world-leading science to a high level audience.
Chairman of the PML Board of Trustees, Admiral Sir James Burnell-Nugent said “We are delighted to welcome James Cameron to the PML group, as an ambassador for the pioneering marine research we do here, sharing with people the significance of PML’s work. James is renowned globally for his extensive oceanic exploration and together we look forward to a future of enhancing understanding of the oceans”.