A Catalyst for Change highlights the pivotal role of passion, born from direct experience, in driving marine conservation efforts. A personal connection to conservation serves as the true catalyst for change, motivating individuals to actively participate in conservation initiatives.

For scuba divers, saving the ocean is something we do so we can continue to enjoy our amazing visits. For coastal communities, saving the ocean is a matter of survival. For one conservation organization, it’s a matter of faith.

Black in Marine Science and The Nature Conservancy team up to give a group of students a week of scuba diving, marine science lessons and cultural experiences in St. Croix.

The nonprofit Orgcas is making major strides in shark conservation through science, communication, education and local tourism with the help of local fishermen.

Climate change is threatening the Maldivian sea turtle population. This is how local resorts are teaming up to protect them.

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.

Cage diving with great white sharks has come under fire in recent years. After the wake of Isla Guadalupe’s shark tourism closure, one diver journeys to South Australia, the birthplace of great white cage diving, in search of an ethical model for encountering the awe-inspiring species.

Scalloped hammerhead sharks and wedgefish are facing extinction, partly due to being caught and sold for their fins. This program gives local fishermen incentive to set those species free.

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.