93,899 (and counting). That’s how many underwater images Barbara Crites has taken in photo-documenting marine life in the US Virgin Islands. Not bad for someone who’s “not really a water person”. She is proof that anyone can contribute to citizen science if they follow their curiosity, jump in with both feet and discover the world around them…and in turn, themselves. —BB

Since 1946, researchers and students from University of Washington have spent every summer studying and monitoring sockeye chinook salmon populations in Bristol Bay, Alaska. Their collaboration with local fishery management maintains the dynamics of the healthy ecosystem and supports the vibrant economy.

Mineral, plant or animal? Coral reefs are all of those, but the reefs are deposited by tiny animals called polyps with unique and fascinating behavior. Join Dr. Pim Boegaerts of the San Francisco based California Academy of Sciences in the field and behind the scenes at the Academy as she studies the behavior of these fascinating animals by using time lapse photography. —DM

Most marine mammals swim, but these tiny winged denizens of caves on the island of Partida in the Sea of Cortez rely on the sea as much as any sea lion. An intrepid young scientist studies these endangered Mexican fishing bats as they flit every night into the desert darkness to fish, attempting to unravel their secrets before they become lost forever.

For over 20 years, underwater photographer Scott Portelli has devoted himself to documenting and capturing charismatic wildlife on camera; in this film, humpback whales in Tonga, an island nation in the middle of the South Pacific. Filmmaker Stefan Andrews films Scott’s close connection to these animals, capturing a fascinating variety of unique whale behavior, including curious calves experiencing their world for the very first time.

Mangroves are the forests of the sea. Adapted for salty conditions where the land meets the ocean, they provide essential ecosystem services to local people in the Bay of Assassins in Madagascar who are being dramatically affected by mangrove deforestation. Mangroves provide nurseries for fish, protection against large storms, and some mangrove forests can store up to 6 times more carbon per unit area than the Amazonian rainforest. Blue Ventures is working with locals to restore mangrove forests, increase carbon storage potential and provide sustainable livelihoods.

The big world we live in is smaller than you think... The informative short takes us on a magical journey through the wondrous Florida mangrove forest, encouraging and inspiring both young people and those that live close to mangroves, to go and explore this incredible habitat.

Meet Margarita Ayala, a Latina surfer whom you'd likely find enjoying the waves of Pacifica Beach just south of San Francisco. Like her ancestors who fished the waters of El Salvador, she craves the waves but at the same time seeks her reflection in the identity of her fellow surfers.

Life clings to the rocks as cold, strong currents rip through Surge Narrows. But for a brief moment twice a day, the current slows down at slack tide–the perfect time to dive in and explore this diverse underwater world of electric yellow sponges, lurking lingcod and vibrant red soft coralsLife clings to the rocks as cold, strong currents rip through Surge Narrows. But for a brief moment twice a day, the current slows down at slack tide–the perfect time to dive in and explore this diverse underwater world of electric yellow sponges, lurking lingcod and vibrant red soft corals