He was known throughout the international diving industry simply as “Ernie”. His career accomplishments and contributions encompassed underwater photography, education, environmental advocacy, mentorship, philanthropy, and ocean conservation, all of which were combined in his role as an ambassador for the oceans.
His diving career took him under the polar ice caps, and into every ocean. His brilliant photography was exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Man, the National Maritime Museum, the Smithsonian, and numerous other international museums and galleries in New Zealand, Australia, Italy, Germany, China, Mexico, France, Canada, Costa Rica, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Iceland, Chile, Puerto Rico and Portugal.
A FAMILY OF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ernie’s love of photography came from his mother, his uncle, and his grandmother, who emigrated to America from the Azores. All three were professional photographers. His father, Ernest Brooks Sr loved both photography and the sea, and
