Born August 30, 1935, Gibbstown, New Jersey

Scientist Sylvia Earle has devoted much of her life to making ocean exploration easier. Because the marine biologist believes that underwater plants and animals can best be studied in their natural environment, she has worked to develop new ways and tools to make the ocean depths into a working laboratory. In 1970 Earle led an all-woman team that spent two weeks in a habitat on the seafloor, studying the surrounding marine life. In 1979 she made a record-breaking dive in a specially designed “Jim suit” that allowed her to walk more deeply underwater than anyone had before. And since 1982 the scientist has been involved in developing small, easy-to-use submersibles (underwater craft) for deep-sea exploration. Earle believes that if more people know about the wonders of this “deep frontier,” the more concerned they will be about protecting it.

Passion for sea begins with first dive