Winner of the 2009 TED Prize and National Geographic Society Explorer-in-Residence, Dr. Sylvia A. Earle is a tireless advocate for our ocean. The legendary marine scientist and deep sea explorer has received numerous distinguished awards including being named a "Living Legend" by the Library of Congress and the first "Hero for the Planet" by Time magazine. Founder and visionary behind Mission Blue, an initiative of the Sylvia Earle Alliance, Dr. Earle is the subject of the Emmy Award Winning film "Mission Blue". An inspirational speaker and avid ocean explorer, Sylvia is bringing together a global coalition of partners to ignite public support for the protection of Hope Spots – special places that are vital to the health of the ocean, the blue heart of our planet.