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Dr. Sylvia Earle – Mission Blue, National Geographic

Dr. Earle has led more than 100 expeditions and logged over 7,000 hours underwater, including record-breaking deep-sea dives.

Dr. Sylvia Earle is a renowned marine biologist, oceanographer, explorer, and environmental advocate, often referred to as “Her Deepness” for her pioneering work in ocean exploration. Born in 1935, she has dedicated her life to studying the ocean and its ecosystems, becoming one of the world’s leading experts on marine science and ocean conservation.

Dr. Earle has led more than 100 expeditions and logged over 7,000 hours underwater, including record-breaking deep-sea dives. In 1979, she set a world record for the deepest untethered dive by a woman, descending 1,250 feet below the ocean’s surface in a submersible. Her groundbreaking research and exploration have advanced the scientific understanding of marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

In addition to her research, Dr. Earle has served as the Chief Scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and is a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence. In 2009, she founded Mission Blue, an initiative aimed at protecting marine environments through the creation of “Hope Spots,” areas of the ocean designated for conservation.

A passionate advocate for ocean conservation, Dr. Earle has authored numerous books, delivered countless lectures, and appeared in documentaries to raise awareness about the critical need to protect the world’s oceans. Her work has earned her numerous awards, including the TED Prize, the UN Champions of the Earth Award, and the Hubbard Medal. Through her decades of groundbreaking research, exploration, and advocacy, Dr. Sylvia Earle continues to inspire global efforts to protect and restore the ocean’s health.

Mission Blue