Jean-Michael Cousteau has devoted his life to ocean conservation. But for the legendary explorer, environmentalist and film producer, it has also been a life filled with excitement and adventure.

Through his non-profit organisation, Ocean Futures Society, and the Ambassadors of the Environment programme at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Cousteau is helping educate the world about the need to care for our oceans while spending much of his time in the deep blue. His motto is, “Protect the ocean and you protect yourself”. Key to Cayman discovers the man behind the passion.  

What does Cayman mean to you?
The Cayman Islands represents an opportunity for the city bound to find relief on pristine beaches and magnificent coral reefs.

What excites you about diving in Cayman?
I am always amazed at the beauty and diversity I experience when diving Cayman’s reefs. Thanks to reef protection, fish are approachable, giving divers a wonderful opportunity to connect at a personal level with reef residents.

What is your favourite Cayman experience?
I like diving Stingray City, the sunken Russian destroyer (MV Captain Keith Tibbetts) and Bloody Bay Wall. But I mostly love being in the water, adrift as a bird or butterfly, weightless in the three-dimensional embrace of Cayman’s crystal clear waters - anywhere!

How does Cayman compare as a dive destination?
Cayman is a world-class dive destination for two reasons: the quality of the underwater experience and the professionalism of the dive industry.

Can you tell us about Ambassadors of the Environment?
We were invited by The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman to create a unique experience for their young guests. We realised that young people on holiday are not in school and thus we needed to create physically active, outdoor adventures that would be fun and, at the same time, educational. Our approach is to immerse kids in the ocean and let them experience first-hand the wonders of the reefs. We then focus on the ecology of how reefs function and sustain themselves. Finally we explore lessons the reefs may have for us who want to live more sustainable lives back home. With these experiences and knowledge, our participants return home as ambassadors of the environment.  I must add that as parents learn of the fun their kids were having, they ask if they can participate.

How do you unwind on holiday?
Depending on how you choose to look at it, I’m either always working or always on holiday. I love my work and it is what invigorates me. Interacting with others who share our passion for the environment, trying to help society reduce its environmental impact and exploring the ocean are my work and I love it. I don’t need a holiday.

As an award-winning filmographer, what elements do you look for in a story?
Traditionally my father [Jacques-Yves Cousteau] and I always strived to connect people to the natural world.  Ours are as much people stories as they are stories about whales or sharks or reefs. We are optimists, firm in our faith that caring, well-informed people can change just about anything.

What are the key challenges facing the environment and what can society do to help?
There are two gigantic challenges and the public can have a very important impact. Overfishing is changing the character of the entire ocean. We all must make sure that whatever seafood we purchase has been caught sustainably.  We work closely with Seafood Watch and I urge everyone to visit their web site, seafoodwatch.org. The other issue is climate change. We must reduce our use of and waste of energy.

What are your tips for making the most of a flight?
I use plane time, where there are no phones or other interruptions, to read and think. I find this forced isolation is valuable in dealing with challenges and in creative thinking.

What is your favourite book?
Le Petit Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery.

Apart from work, what was your last travel destination?
I went to Savannah, Georgia, to meet with the American Institute of Architects.

What are your favourite underwater creatures?
Octopus, crabs and orcas.

Is there another career that you would have liked to have explored?
I would definitely be a naval architect.

Is there a fact about you that your fans would be surprised to learn?
I’m French and I don’t like escargots.