Dr. Sylvia Earle is a marine biologist who is sometimes known as “Her Deepness” or “The Sturgeon General,” and is recognized by the Library of Congress as a Living Legend. She is presently chairman of Deep Ocean Exploration and Research ( D O E R) and an Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society, a position she has held since 1998. Named Time magazine’s first “Hero for the Planet” in 1998, Sylvia has pioneered research on marine ecosystems and has led more than 50 expeditions totaling more than 6,000 hours underwater. She holds numerous diving records.

Former chief scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Sylvia is author of more than 125 scientific and popular publications, including Atlas of the Ocean, published by National Geographic in 2001 and the book Sea Change, published in 1995. Her research places special emphasis on marine plants and the development of technology for access and research in the deep sea. She played a key role in a decision in early 1999 by the Clinton administration to double the budget of the marine sanctuaries.

As project director for the Sustainable Seas Expeditions, a joint venture of NOAA and the National Geographic Society, Sylvia is exploring and documenting the resources of National Marine Sanctuary System. She has a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and a master’s and doctorate from Duke University, as well as 12 honorary doctorate degrees.