Jacques Cousteau, pioneer of underwater exploration and conservation, passed away on June 25, 1997 at the age of 87. He was born on June 11, 1910 in Saint-André-de-Cubzac, France to Daniel and Elisabeth Cousteau. After serving in the French Navy during World War II, he founded the Oceanographic Institute at Monaco, and began a lifetime devoted to researching and protecting the ocean and its inhabitants. His “diving saucer” and iconic red cap became synonymous with the groundbreaking documentaries he created to share the ocean’s wonders with millions of people worldwide. He wrote over 50 books on the ocean, its creatures and its habitats, and was awarded many awards including the highest French civil honor of Grand Cross of the Légion d'Honneur. Cousteau’s legacy is seen in his passionate advocacy for the ocean and its inhabitants. Today, his ocean conservation organization known as “Cousteau Society” continues his work in educating people about the fragility and beauty of our oceans. He is preceded in death by his son, Philippe Cousteau, who died in a plane crash in 1979. He is survived by his wife Simone Melchior Cousteau, and their sons Jean-Michel, and Pierre-Yves. His legacy and dedication to ocean exploration and conservation will live on in the generations to come.