After Philippe’s death, Simone withdrew to Calypso. Cousteau called Jean-Michel to his side and he replaced Philippe’s role.

In 1980, the Canadian Film Board granted 2 million dollars to produce 2 programs on the St. Lawrence waterway. St. Lawrence – Stairway to the Sea  was aired on PBS in 1982. However, it was not rated well.

In 1980, Cousteau and Malavard gained a million-dollar grant to improve the Turbosail to reduce fuel consumption. In october 1983, Moulin a Vent, equipped with the new and improved Turbosail was all set to sail. However, the Turbosail came off and his windship was broken.

In 1981, Cousteau met Ted Turner and they discussed a deal for him to make a series on the Amazon. Cousteau Amazon series then broadcasted on TBS in 1985.

In 1983, Turner gave 2 million dollars to Cousteau for a voyage to the Mississippi river.  “Cousteau/Mississippi: The Reluctant Ally” received an emmy award for outstanding informational special.

In 1985, he launched Alcyone, his new wind ship.

He also received many awards in the 1980s.

Jacques Cousteau’s Rediscovery of the World would focus on the behaviour and actions of people that related to the seas.

Simone passed away from cancer in 1990. After Simone’s death, Cousteau revealed a secret hidden second family which was his mistress of 15 years, Francine Triplet, and two children, Diane and Pierre-Yves. On june 28, 1991, Cousteau and Francine Triplet got married. This estranged Jean-Michel and he left his father.

Jacques-Yves Cousteau died of a heart attack at 87 years old, on 25 June, 1997. He is buried in the family vault at St.-Andre-de-Culzac in France.

After Cousteau’s death, Francine Cousteau inherited the Cousteau Society and L’Equipe Cousteau as president of both organisations. She also had entire control over any productions and works, and the use of the family name.