Study the Maldives’ most exciting residents— manta rays and whale sharks

_Scuba Diving_ magazine had a chance to catch up with August 2014 Sea Hero Lad Akins at DEMA Las Vegas to discuss his marine conservation work and his involvement with lionfish populations across the globe for Reef.org.

Cordell Bank and Gulf of the Farallones national marine sanctuaries off northern California will both more than double in size following a final rule released today by NOAA. The expansion will help to protect the region’s marine and coastal habitats, biological resources and special ecological features.

Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is known for its healthy reef communities and abundant marine life. Having discovered nine additional coral reef banks in the surrounding area, NOAA hopes to expand the sanctuary’s boundaries to further protect them.

_Scuba Diving_ magazine had a chance to catch up with July 2014 Sea Hero Keller Laros at DEMA Las Vegas to discuss the conservation work for which he was nominated for and it's importance for manta rays in Hawaii.

_Scuba Diving_ magazine had a chance to catch up with May 2014 Sea Hero Mary O'Malley at DEMA Las Vegas to discuss the conservation work for which she was nominated for and the importance of protecting manta rays in Indonesia.

Ocean explorer and environmental conservationist Sylvia Earle - also known as "Her Deepness" - was recognized in 2014 with a Lifetime Leadership award by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Watch this short video detailing her work as a Champion of the Earth, and listen to her acceptance speech as she discusses the importance of studying our planet and the continued respect for our oceans.

Scuba Diving magazine had a chance to catch up with 2013 Sea Hero of the Year Rick MacPherson at DEMA Las Vegas to discuss his past year since winning the award, and his plans for the future.

How do use Florida's reefs? Take the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative's survey.