Although many people remember Ted Danson, 76, for his roles in Cheers And The good placeAway from the camera, the actor has been committed to saving the world’s oceans for more than two decades.

His passion for conservation work dates back to his childhood, he tells PEOPLE exclusively, as he “grew up around scientists,” including his father, who was an anthropologist, archaeologist and museum director.

“Even though I don’t have the brain of a scientist, I grew up thinking that this time that we’re here in is not just about you,” he says. “It’s about what came before you and what will come after you, and your job is to be a good steward of what you’ve been given.”

Danson put these feelings into action while Cheershe recalls after meeting environmental lawyer Robert Sulnick. The two fought against oil drilling in Santa Monica Bay, and in 1987 Danson helped found the American Oceans Campaign, which later became Oceana – a leading international marine conservation organization of which the actor is now a board member.

He described his decision to use his platform as an actor to help the cause as “a kind of defensive action.”

“I was lucky enough to realize early on that all the energy that comes at you when you’re – for lack of a better word – famous can completely throw you off balance if you just absorb it,” he says, explaining that meeting Sulnick helped him focus that energy.

“I realized that as a celebrity, you attract the microphone, the press and all that, and attention in general,” he says. “And I learned that if I metaphorically stand in front of the tent and say, ‘Thank you for watching,’ Cheersbut please come in, I would like to introduce you to this marine biologist, I have something very important to tell you.'”

He continues, “I realized that you can harness that energy as long as you don’t claim to be the expert, but point people to experts and organizations that are doing amazing work. And I’ve been lucky enough to be able to absorb as much of all these amazing scientists and activists as my brain can along the way.”

On Saturday, August 17, Danson will host Oceana’s 17th annual SeaChange Summer Party, which has raised nearly $20 million for the organization’s work over the years. Other special guests, including the evening’s featured artist, Lisa Loeb, are expected at the event in Laguna Beach.

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After more than 20 years of working with Oceana, Danson says he has no plans to slow down.

He says of the organization’s work and his role in it: “I enjoy it so much and it’s so effective that I don’t think I’ll ever leave.”