Back to Scuba Gear

Sea Heroes Articles

Les Burke Named 2025 Sea Hero of the Year
Meet our Sea Hero of the Year: Les Burke, a veteran shaping the next generation of ocean leaders though education and exploration.
Sea Turtle Rescuer Don McLeish Named Nov. '25 Sea Hero
Don McLeish is a dedicated sea turtle rescuer and diver. He’s a field responder for the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute, a self-described “gizmologist” and a skilled photographer looking to inspire future generations.
SUDS Founder John Thompson Named September/October '25 Sea Hero
Since 2007, Servicemembers Undertaking Disabled Sports (SUDS) has helped hundreds of disabled veterans transition from brand-new divers to certified instructors.
The Sea Hero's New Seawall

Three years after being named Sea Hero of the Year, Shalise Leesfield shows off her Living Seawalls, built using the $5,000 prize money.

Shark Conservationist Thomas Leszkiewicz Named August '25 Sea Hero

Meet the shark conservationist who is helping to equip marine scientists with mission-critical gear to help save the animals they love.

Sea Otter Conservationist Chanel Hason Named July '25 Sea Hero

Learn more about how one rescue diver–turned-conservationist is working to bring a thriving sea otter population back to the Oregon coast.

Conservationist and Retired U.S. Navy Diver Les Burke Named May '25 Sea Hero

After a storied three-plus-decade career in the U.S. Navy, where he became the first Black Navy diver to complete the Navy's Deep Sea Salvage program, among other accolades, this month's sea hero now devotes his time to educating the next generation of divers.

Marine Biologist Jacinta Shackleton Named April '25 Sea Hero

There's a lot of misinformation floating around about coral bleaching and the Great Barrier Reef. This month's Sea Hero dedicates her work to sharing the truth—and inspiring people to help.