Hawaii is a volcanic archipelago island chain in the Pacific Ocean that is part the U.S. It is comprised of 8 main Islands, Oahu, Big Island, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe. Known for its beautiful oceans and colorful reefs, the Hawaiian Islands are a popular travel destination. Take a boat ride and snorkel Molokini Crater where you can swim with majestic sea turtles amongst the coral reef. Or Kayak across Kealakekua Bay to snorkel at the Captain Cook Monument where there is an impressive coral reef with a steep drop off into the bay. Dive the pristine coral reefs of Molokai for a more isolated underwater experience with undamaged coral due to the low tourism traffic.

The Channel Islands are located off the coast of Southern California and are comprised of 8 Islands, Santa Cruz Island, Santa Catalina Island, Anacapa Island, Santa Barbara Island, Santa Rosa Island, San Clemente and San Miguel Island. Snorkel and scuba dive amongst the vast Kelp forests where warm and cold currents mix to make the nutrient-rich waters which allow so much amazing sea life to thrive. The Channel Island National Marine Sanctuary protects the water 6 nautical miles around the 5 islands inside the Channel Island National Park. 

I was inspired to be an underwater photographer when I was young because of my passion for the ocean and all its amazing marine life, especially sea turtles. Wanting to focus my career on sea turtle conservation, I realized I could be most powerful as a photographer, documenting the difficulties that the species faced along with capturing their beauty in the underwater world. It's not just sea turtles but the entire ocean ecosystem that is on the tipping point of disaster. At times like these, I believe it is crucial to fighting to protect our ocean and this is something I will remain dedicated to throughout my career as a conservation and underwater photographer.