All divers, novices or experts, have undoubtedly already consulted at least one of the precious identification guides by Steven Weinberg. At 78, this prolific biologist has just unveiled an enriched edition of his latest work, dedicated to the fauna and flora of the Caribbean. With more than twenty titles to his credit and hundreds of articles, Steven Weinberg, the most French of the Dutch, looks back on his fascinating journey.
First Steps in the Marine World
An Early Discovery
It was in the early 1950s that Steven discovered the sea for the first time during a family vacation on the Île de Ré. With his father, he wandered on the foreshore and explored the oyster beds. Later, around the age of 7 or 8, he put his head underwater in Brégançon, a pivotal moment when he learned to observe marine life.
The First Scuba Dive
The first scuba diving experience came soon after. His father, a pioneer among Dutch divers, introduced him to the underwater world in Cassis in 1958. At only 11 years old, he found himself diving with military equipment, discovering beautiful yellow gorgonians ten meters deep, a defining moment that sealed his fate as a marine biologist.
An Educational and Professional Journey
From Science to Teaching
In the 1960s, the Weinberg family settled in La Turbie, near Monaco. Steven explored the wonders of spearfishing and began taking his first underwater photos. His passion for biology grew, and after a stint in Dijon for his baccalaureate, he ultimately chose the faculty of science over art school. An inspiring professor, Guyot, introduced him to cell biology, a turning point in his academic journey.
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