Jacques Cousteau

Jacques Cousteau was a French naval officer, oceanographer, filmmaker and author who dedicated his life to the exploration and conservation of the marine world. He co-invented the first successful open-circuit self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA), called the Aqua-Lung, which enabled him and his team to dive deeper and longer than ever before. He also developed other innovative equipment and techniques for underwater research, such as the diving saucer, the Conshelf underwater habitats, and the turbosail. He produced over 120 documentaries, 50 books, and numerous articles about his undersea adventures and discoveries. He founded the Cousteau Society, a nonprofit organization that promotes marine education and protection. He received many honors and awards for his work, including the Legion of Honour, the Palme d'Or, the Academy Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He was also a member of the Académie française and a goodwill ambassador for UNESCO. He died in 1997 at the age of 87 from a heart attack. His ashes were scattered in the Mediterranean Sea, where he had spent most of his life exploring and protecting.