"Her Deepness" Dr Sylvia Earle & Dr Tessa Hempson: Protect the Oceans Like Your Life Depends Upon It... (Because It Does!)

About this episode

David Oakes interviews legendary marine biologist Dr Sylvia A. Earle and conservation biologist Dr Tessa Hempson about ocean protection and conservation efforts.

Amid the energy of the IUCN World Conservation Congress, David meets legendary marine biologist, oceanographer, and explorer Dr Sylvia A. Earle — affectionately known as “Her Deepness.” Still diving at 90, Sylvia began her career with a PhD in phycology (the study of algae) in 1966, has graced the cover of TIME magazine, authored nearly 200 scientific papers and 13 books, logged over 7,000 hours underwater, and still holds the 1979 record for the deepest solo dive — 380 meters beneath the sea. Joining her is conservation biologist Dr Tessa Hempson, Chief Scientist at Mission Blue , the nonprofit Sylvia founded in 2009. Mission Blue inspires global action to explore and protect the ocean through its network of Hope Spots — special places vital to ocean health. Partnering with local communities, scientists, and policymakers, the organization drives awareness, expeditions, and protection efforts toward one shared goal: safeguarding 30 percent of the ocean by 2030. Five years to go… Sylvia speaks of the fish she calls her friends — sentient beings with personalities, intelligence, and an inherent right to thrive in their ocean home. She reflects on the species lost to time — from the…

People in this episode

Host: David Oakes

Guests: Dr Sylvia A. Earle, Dr Tessa Hempson

Topics covered

• marine biology
• ocean conservation
• environmental activism
• deep-sea exploration
• sustainable practices

Keywords

• ocean
• marine biology
• conservation
• Hope Spots
• sustainability
• deep-sea
• environment

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Mission Blue

Books & works: TIME magazine

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