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.

These four artists are on a mission to make the world greener for future generations. Learn more about their work—and how you can help support them.

Dive Centre Manly’s efforts to remove plastic waste from the harbor led to the creation of Divers Against Debris and a partnership with PADI AWARE, sparking a global movement against plastic pollution. Richard Nicholls's initiatives have inspired worldwide action and significant policy changes.

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.

Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary, designated this summer, offers cultural and historical diving gems.

Sarah Fangman and Jennifer Moore are behind the NOAA-led and partner-driven effort to restore seven coral reef sites in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Learn what inspired and challenged these women leaders.

In the months leading to the 2024 Olympics, conservationists have raised alarms about the construction of a new judges' tower and its potential to harm local reefs. Here's how locals are mobilizing to protect it.

Fear can hold you back or push you further. World-renowned underwater explorer Jill Heinerth shares her practical tips for facing fear, pushing limits and reaching the next level of what's possible. Her new film "Diving Into the Darkness" digs into her journey to becoming an underwater explorer.

Grand Bahama-based underwater explorer and tec-diving instructor Cristina Zenato has been to parts of caves that no one has explored before. She dives up close and personal with sharks on the regular and is no stranger to the unfamiliar. When she feels fear arise, she trusts her gut, believes in herself and welcomes her inner voice.