The deep sea is still one of Earth's great mysteries. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, ocean covers 71% of the Earth's surface and contains 97% of its water -- yet over 95% of the underwater remains unexplored. Not only are new underwater species being discovered, but relics from history unearthed. The treasures are discovered due to the tenacity of explorers and evolving technology.

Jacques Cousteau is one person that encompasses both fields. With a popular TV series and over 120 documentaries, he became one of the most recognizable onscreen stars of his time. Jacques Cousteau became associated with adventure, ocean exploration, and saving our environment.

As a French Naval officer, Cousteau was fascinated with water and wanted to capture it on film. Along with other divers, Cousteau began to develop an underwater camera. As they became more successful, they wanted to be able to dive deeper and discover more. This led to the invention of the Aqua-Lung, and SCUBA technology. Both make breathing underwater possible. He also helped create an underwater vehicle, "the diving saucer," meant for filming.

Cousteau's first underwater film won a prize at the 1946 Cannes Film Festival. He began to realize that he could make a living at what had been his passion. Eventually, he found financing to purchase a ship, Calypso, and set off as a professional explorer. Cousteau's work on Calypso ranged from deep-sea archeological excavations to scientific study of wildlife. The ship is now being turned into a museum.

As he showed audiences around the world treasures from the sea, whether shipwrecks or sea life, Cousteau used his popularity to raise awareness of the need to preserve the world's oceans and wildlife. He founded the Cousteau society for the Protection of Ocean Life, which now has more than 300,000 members. He received numerous awards for his work including the UN International Environmental Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Ronald Regan.

Cousteau's curiosity led him to venture further than others in ocean exploration; his creativity led him to help advance diving and film technology. His success in both brought awareness to the need to preserve and continue to explore the planet's oceans.

Cousteau inspired people around the world to continue to develop technology in order to discover new treasures hidden beneath the sea. He said, "The impossible missions are the only ones which succeed."