Dr. Sylvia Earle.

PositionFIVE QUESTIONS FOR ... - Interview

In August, Dr. Sylvia Earle, world-renowned conservationist, oceanographer, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, and founder/chairman of Sylvia Earle Alliance/Mission Blue, launched a dive expedition to Cashes Ledge, the underwater mountain range 80 miles off the coasts of Portland. Dr. Earle joined the expedition to amplify the efforts of CLF and Mission Blue, as well as scientists, business leaders, environmental groups, and faith leaders, in calling for the White House to declare Cashes Ledge a Marine National Monument.

What was it like to dive on Cashes Ledge?

Diving on Cashes Ledge was an experience of a lifetime, in a lifetime of amazing underwater experiences. I saw for myself what scientists have been raving about for years--a miraculous mountain peak that comes close enough to sunlight to be crowned with a thriving forest of kelp and a richly diverse assemblage of coastal marine life in the open sea

What most surprised you about your experience?

It's so unlikely to have kelp growing out in the open ocean 80 miles from shore. Instead of blowing in the wind, the kelp blows in the currents. I felt like a dancer with these golden silken scarves surrounding me. Fish swam by, found our eyes, and just looked at us. You could almost see the wheels turning in their minds asking, "What are you doing here?"

I thought I went down to took at the fish but the fish were looking at me!

Why have you declared Cashes Ledge one of your Hope Spots?

Cashes Ledge is the Yellowstone of the North Atlantic. It's an amazing gathering of fish and other wildlife that wasn't known outside the fishing community until recent years, when divers and scientists began...

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