Each year, the Beneath the Sea scuba and dive travel show, held in New Jersey, honors one person as a Legend of the Sea for his or her dedication to ocean conservation. This year's honoree, Jean-Michel Cousteau, couldn't be more deserving.

Q: How do you feel about being named Beneath the Sea’s 2015 Legend of the Sea?

A: I am very honored. But aside from it being an honor, I am always happy to join a wonderful group of ocean friends for whom I have a lot of respect and enjoy seeing at the annual BTS.

Q: What are your conservation plans for 2015?

A: My mission has always been the same: to inspire people to feel connected to the health of the oceans as if their lives depend on it — because they do. Through the work of Ocean Futures Society, my team and I focus on ocean issues, and try to give people tangible solutions to be activity engaged in the sustainable future of our water planet.

Q: What message would you most like to share with all the 2015 Beneath the Sea attendees?

A: My message is always the same, “Protect the ocean, and you protect yourself.” I look at divers as wonderful ambassadors of the ocean, sharing their personal experiences of the undersea world. For the larger audience, my message is weaved throughout the films I produce to share with people around the world, stories of hope and inspiration about the ocean.

If timing is truly everything, then I must emphasize this – the time to be most hopeful is now. We are at a critical point in human history. We know the issues, and we know the solutions. We must all be hopeful we will choose the actions that lead us to protect our life-support system –– the ocean –– and all the wonderful creatures within.

This year's Beneath the Sea show will take place March 27-29 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey.