Underwater explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau published The Silent World on February 3, 1953. The book, written with Frédéric Dumas, would prove to be Cousteau’s most lasting work. The film version of the book was released three years later and went on to win an Academy Award. The Silent World investigated and revealed the hidden universe of tropical fish, whales, and other marine life that exist deep in the ocean. The success of the film allowed Cousteau to retire from the navy and dedicate himself solely to oceanography. In addition to his book, Cousteau helped to create the Aqua-Lung, which allows divers to stay underwater for long lengths of time. Cousteau’s explorations and films drew worldwide attention to the environmental consequences of pollution and helped raise concern about marine life survival.