A Legacy of Exploration and Conservation: My Father, My Grandfather, and the Ocean

When most people think of Jacques Cousteau, they picture this legendary ocean explorer with his iconic red beanie, the Calypso, and the mesmerizing underwater documentaries that transformed our understanding of the ocean. That’s the image the world knows. But for me, there’s a much more personal story woven into his legacy. Behind the public figure was a deep and special bond between my grandfather and my father, Philippe Cousteau—a bond that not only shaped their lives but also profoundly influenced the work they did together. In many ways, I believe that without my father, my grandfather’s legacy would have been very different.

Growing up, I was surrounded by stories of their adventures—two men bound by a shared love of the sea and a commitment to protecting it. While my grandfather is often credited with inspiring generations to care about the ocean, my father played an equally important role in shaping that legacy. He wasn’t just a partner in exploration; he was a force in his own right, constantly pushing my grandfather into new realms of creativity and environmental advocacy.

A Partnership Forged in Exploration

From a young age, my father followed closely in my grandfather’s footsteps—both literally and figuratively. He grew up on the Calypso, their floating laboratory and filmmaking platform. Many sons might have found it difficult to live in the shadow of such a larger-than-life figure, (and yes, they had their moments) but my father embraced their shared passion for the ocean. In fact, he didn’t just share my grandfather’s love for the sea—he amplified it. My father was a gifted filmmaker and storyteller, bringing fresh ideas and new energy to the Cousteau team. He pushed the boundaries of what was possible in underwater documentaries, helping create films that not only showcased the beauty of the ocean but also stirred people to care about preserving it.

The partnership between my grandfather and my father wasn’t just about exploring together; it was about creating something new together. My grandfather had the vision to bring the ocean to the world, but it was my father’s creative genius and technical brilliance that made those visions come alive. He wasn’t simply following in my grandfather’s footsteps—he was helping shape and expand the Cousteau legacy.

A Push Towards Conservation

One of the most significant ways my father influenced my grandfather’s work was by pushing him to think beyond exploration and to focus more on conservation. My grandfather had always loved the ocean, but it was my father who first began framing their work in terms of environmental advocacy. He had a deep sense of responsibility to protect the planet and encouraged my grandfather to not just document the ocean but to fight for its protection. This shift—from exploration for the sake of discovery to exploration for the sake of conservation—became one of the most lasting and important legacies of their work together.

In the 1960s and 70s, environmental issues like pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction were just starting to gain public attention. My father saw their documentaries as powerful tools to educate people and spark change. He urged my grandfather to use their platform to speak out on behalf of the oceans, especially on issues like nuclear waste dumping in the sea. It was my father’s passion for environmental protection that helped push my grandfather to become a more vocal advocate for ocean conservation.

Our Tragic Loss and His Enduring Legacy

When my father tragically died in a plane crash in 1979, it was an unimaginable loss for our family. For my grandfather, losing not just a son but also a collaborator, confidant, and creative partner was unimaginable for him. Yet, even in the face of such immense grief, my grandfather carried on, determined to honor my father’s legacy. In the years that followed, my grandfather’s work took on an even more urgent and passionate tone, shaped by the environmental activism my father had championed.

Today, when I reflect on their work, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride in both of them. My grandfather is known around the world, but it’s important to remember that my father was a driving force behind so much of what they accomplished. His creativity, environmental conscience, and deep love for the oceans shaped my grandfather’s journey in profound ways.

A Lasting Inspiration

For me, their relationship is a powerful reminder of the impact one generation can have on the next. My father’s life was tragically cut short, but his influence lives on—not just in the work my brother Philippe and I continue to do, but in the countless people my father and grandfather inspired to care for the ocean and our planet.

As we face the environmental challenges of today, I often think about what my father would have done if he were still here. I like to imagine that he’d still be pushing boundaries, innovating, and fighting for the oceans with the same passion he passed on to my grandfather. And I believe that’s what we must do—carry on that fight, advocate fiercely for the health of our planet, and protect the oceans that my father and grandfather dedicated their lives to exploring and conserving.

Through their work, they didn’t just change the way we see the ocean—they showed us why it’s worth fighting for.