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.

From teaching refugees to swim to designing educational materials, Ernst van der Poll and his team are empowering a global community of explorers. For his role in inspiring the next generation of change makers, van der Poll is our November 2024 Sea Hero.

Dr. Cannon is honored as Scuba Diving's September Sea Hero for her work inspiring the next generation of ocean ambassadors through STEM education and scientific diving. Learn more about her nonprofit DiveN2Life uses dive training and placed-based education to tackle conservation issues and beyond.

If there's one thing Callum Roberts has learned during his decades-long career as a marine scientist and educator, it's that success largely depends on getting future generations excited and involved. Here's how Roberts has spent a lifetime working to do just that.

Erika Lopez is named July 2024 Sea Hero for her work with the Colombian government to create a management plan to address illegal fishing and to champion a sanctuary in Malpelo Islands.