Jacques Yves Cousteau (1910-1997)

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”

Jacques Yves Cousteau was a lifelong explorer.  At a young age he took to the water and never looked back. He trained in the French Naval Academy as an aviator but a twist of fate ended his flying career and brought him back to the water where he made his mark on the world. He led a life of endless curiosity and genius.  His attraction to the marine environment and the need to develop better equipment for exploring propelled him to collaborate on numerous innovations, including the ‘AquaLung’ and an underwater research vehicle (diving saucer). Cousteau’s adventures are documented in over 50 books and 120 films that brought viewers “The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau”, which raised global awareness about the diversity of sea life. Cousteau’s passion for the marine environment was expressed through his tenacious efforts to stop the ocean dumping of nuclear waste and end commercial whaling. Cousteau’s legacy lives on through his descendants, the Cousteau Society, Cousteau Divers, and Equipe Cousteau all of whom continue his work to protect and improve the quality of life for present and future generations.

This Plaque was created by SUTL Cohort 32.