Meet our Sea Hero of the Year: Les Burke, a veteran shaping the next generation of ocean leaders though education and exploration.

Don McLeish is a dedicated sea turtle rescuer and diver. He’s a field responder for the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute, a self-described “gizmologist” and a skilled photographer looking to inspire future generations.

Since 2007, Servicemembers Undertaking Disabled Sports (SUDS) has helped hundreds of disabled veterans transition from brand-new divers to certified instructors.

Meet the shark conservationist who is helping to equip marine scientists with mission-critical gear to help save the animals they love.

Learn more about how one rescue diver–turned-conservationist is working to bring a thriving sea otter population back to the Oregon coast.

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After a storied three-plus-decade career in the U.S. Navy, where he became the first Black Navy diver to complete the Navy's Deep Sea Salvage program, among other accolades, this month's sea hero now devotes his time to educating the next generation of divers.

There's a lot of misinformation floating around about coral bleaching and the Great Barrier Reef. This month's Sea Hero dedicates her work to sharing the truth—and inspiring people to help.

The activist and conservation champion plans to use the award money for critical tools to combat illegal fishing in the protected waters around Malpelo, Colombia.