Sylvia Earle is among the world’s most renowned oceanographers. In a career spanning over six decades, she has led more than 100 expeditions, spent thousands of hours underwater exploring the depths of our oceans, and published some 250 papers on her discoveries along the way. Far from slowing down, Earle (who turned 90 earlier in August) remains one of the most influential voices in her field and continues to champion ocean conservation as an activist.
Earle’s steadfast commitment to exploring and protecting our oceans has found a kindred spirit in Rolex. The brand has partnered with Earle since 1982 and significantly deepened its support along the way. This collaboration has led to various outsized impacts that have not only advanced ocean conservation, but also benefited the local communities involved. Together, they have inspired new generations of explorers, scientists, and conservationists to take action
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Early Beginnings
Earle’s lifelong dedication to ocean exploration and conservation has its roots in her childhood in New Jersey, where she spent hours observing the fish and tadpoles in her backyard pond. Armed with a PhD from Duke University, her groundbreaking work began with extensive research on marine algae.
What followed in 1970 set the stage for international acclaim: A two-week underwater mission supported by NASA and the US Navy, during which Earle led an all-female team of aquanauts to the US Virgin Islands. Living and working aboard the Tektite II research station anchored 50 feet beneath the ocean’s surface, Earle and her team spent as many as 12 hours a day on research dives. This uninterrupted window of time spent underwater afforded the team both the time and the rare opportunity to observe ocean life and the effects of underwater living on the human body. For their contributions, they were subsequently honoured at the White House—an experience that inspired Earle to leverage the spotlight on the urgent need to protect marine ecosystems worldwide.
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Explorer, Pioneer, Advocate
Earle’s illustrious career has been marked by significant milestones, not least the discovery of numerous new marine species as a direct result of her expeditions. Other achievements include being the first female Chief Scientist of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—a watershed moment that opened doors for generations of women in science—and her appointment as a National Geographic Explorer at Large.
Beyond scientific discoveries and the advancement of human knowledge, Earle’s work often pushed her to the limits of human performance as well. One such case occurred in 1979, when she set the world record for the deepest solo untethered dive by walking beneath the surface of the Pacific Ocean at a depth of 381 metres. It’s a record that still stands today, after over four decades since it was first made.
For her contributions to science and humanity, Earle has been recognised with over 100 national and international honours and awards. These include Time Magazine’s first Hero for the Planet, National Geographic’s Hubbard Medal, as well as medals from the Explorers Club and the Royal Geographical Society. She has also been presented with 34 honorary degrees and has lectured in over 80 countries. Ever the activist, Earle has continued to turn her accomplishments into a platform for advocacy. She continues to champion ocean exploration and protection today.
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A Longstanding Relationship With Rolex
A Rolex Testimonee since 1982, Earle has dedicated her life to ocean exploration and conservation. In 2022, Rolex celebrated her 40 years as a brand Testimonee.
In 2009, Earle launched the Mission Blue initiative after she was awarded a TED prize in recognition of her “vision to spark global change”. The goal was ambitious but straightforward: To identify, designate, and protect ecologically critical areas of our oceans, while creating a global network of “Hope Spots” that can serve as a cornerstone for ocean conservation efforts. This work was to be rooted in empowering local people to create change, resulting in a sustainable impact that also benefits the communities involved. As the name suggests, these Hope Spots are beacons of inspiration that serve as examples for other conservation efforts elsewhere.
Rolex has supported Mission Blue since 2014, and this has helped accelerate the growth of Hope Spots around the world. Today, they number more than 160, including regions of significant biodiversity such as the Azores Archipelago and the Galapagos Islands. More importantly, more than 100 countries have committed to protecting at least 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030.
Beyond Mission Blue, Rolex has also expanded its commitment in this area through direct partnerships with the initiative’s Champions—individuals and groups that lead local efforts in their respective Hope Spots. One such example is its support for Djohani and Sanjaya of Indonesia’s Coral Triangle Centre, a non-profit foundation established by the former to help manage the Marine Protected Area surrounding the Balinese islands of Nusa Penida. Here, Rolex and Mission Blue are spreading awareness of the Marine Protected Area (also a Hope Spot) while also helping the Indonesian government in their goal to protect 30 per cent of their waters.
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The Perpetual Planet Initiative
For nearly a century, Rolex has supported pioneering explorers to help them achieve countless historic feats. Over time, the company has moved from championing exploration for the sake of discovery to protecting the planet. In 2019, these programmes were consolidated under the aegis of the Perpetual Planet Initiative, to better support the beneficiaries involved.
The number of active projects has grown since then, and Rolex now has a portfolio of 30 partners across three main areas: Oceans, Landscapes, as well as Science, Health, and Technology.
Earle and Mission Blue are partners, of course, with other Rolex Testimonees including Cristina Mittermeier, a pioneer in conservation photography, and reef restoration specialists Coral Gardeners. The Landscapes and Science, Health, and Technology rosters feature various other luminaries, including the National Geographic Society, social entrepreneur Felix Brooks-church, and tech entrepreneur Miranda Wang.
In addition to this, Rolex also supports organisations and initiatives that foster the next generation of explorers, scientists and conservationists. This includes the Royal Geographical Society and the CERN & Society Foundation. Through these partnerships and programmes, the brand continues the legacy of its founder Hans Wilsdorf. Its new mission? To make our planet truly perpetual.