Within coral reefs exists an intimate marriage between land and sea. Learn more about how these reef ecosystems have shaped our planet—and why it’s important to protect them.

Seabirds are adept divers. They just do things a bit differently than we do, since their “dive equipment” is built-in. Here’s what it’s like when these pelagic birds take the plunge.

Scuba divers love to share their favorite tips and tales from dive trips. This column highlights some of those. Ocean conservationist and sanctuary superintendent Sarah Fangman recalls a close encounter with a giant manta ray that seemed as engaged with her as she was with it.

Bright colors, large eyes and pouty mouths make sweetlips particularly photogenic fish. Learn these tricks to help guarantee picture-perfect results every time.

Who wins the competition to capture the attention of divers the most? Charismatic megafauna may seem like the obvious answer, but don’t discount the captivating allure of microcritters.

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, often described as the “Galapagos of North America,” is home to incredible marine wildlife, kelp forests, and maritime heritage artifacts, and contains waters that sustained Chumash people since time immemorial.

In this edition of “Ask a Marine Biologist,” Dr. David Shiffman discusses one of the ocean’s most likable echinoderm.