He also hosted several documentaries and programs about the ocean, such as Ocean Planet (1995) and National Geographic Explorer (2000).
Benchley died of pulmonary fibrosis on February 11, 2006 at his home in Princeton, New Jersey. He was 65 years old. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
He is remembered as one of the most influential authors of his generation and one of the most passionate defenders of the ocean.
