Erika Lopez’s daily commitment to combating illegal fishing in the remote protected waters near Colombia has earned her recognition as Scuba Diving’s 2024 Sea Hero of the Year. The ocean conservationist and activist plans to use her $5,000 reward from Seiko to fund new surveillance equipment to fight illegal fishing in the marine protected areas near Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary (SFF Malpelo) off the coast of Colombia, where large aggregations of sharks, marine mammals, giant grouper, billfish and many more species are known to frequent.

“Honestly, it’s been a whirlwind of emotions!” Lopez said when told she was named Sea Hero of the Year. “This recognition means so much to me and our entire team. It’s not just an award—it’s a powerful reminder that our work is making a difference. Being recognized by Seiko, PADI and Scuba Diving magazine is incredibly validating and gives us a stronger platform to raise awareness about marine conservation.”

Conservationist Erika Lopez Named July Sea Hero

For Lopez, the timing of the award and prize money “couldn’t be better.” The funds will allow her to acquire equipment like the Pulsar Axion XM30S, a thermal imaging camera that will allow her team to monitor large marine areas even in total darkness, and the SwellPro SplashDrone 4, a fully waterproof drone that allows them to patrol remote areas, monitor marine species and detect illegal activities, even in rough seas.

“On behalf of Seiko, we thank Erika Lopez for her outstanding commitment to protecting vulnerable marine habitats,” says Robert Brennan, president of Seiko Watch of America. “We congratulate Erika for receiving this great honor and applaud her dedication to ocean conservation. We wish her success in continuing her important work.”

Related Reading: The Future of Diving With Great White Sharks

Scuba Diving's 2024 Sea Heroes

January—Antonio Mignucci

Taking conservation into the community through science and education.

Learn more about Antonio Mignucci.

February—Kym Larsen

Civilian scuba instructor dedicates her time to training military veterans.

Learn more about Kym Larsen.

March—Liz Taylor

President of DOER Marine and an advocate for universal access to ocean science and research.

Learn more about Liz Taylor.

May—Jessica Pate

Scuba instructor who is putting Florida’s manta rays front and center with her identification project.

Learn more about Jessica Pate.

June—Wilfredo “Al” Licuanan

Professor who has spent more than 25 years surveying and monitoring coral reefs.

Learn more about Wilfredo “Al” Licuanan.

August—Callum Roberts

Scientist, educator, diver and author who translates science into MPA management recommendations.

Learn more about Callum Roberts.

September/October—Dr. Kama Cannon

Founder of DiveN-2Life, a marinefocused youth STEM program for experiential learning.

Learn more about Dr. Kama Cannon.

November—Ernst van der Poll

Founder of ConnectOcean, which teaches locals to swim and more, and a champion for adaptive diving.

Learn more about Ernst van der Poll.

Nominate a Sea Hero Each Sea Hero featured in Scuba Diving receives a Seiko SRPK01 watch valued at $525. Judges annually select a Sea Hero of the Year, who receives a $5,000 cash award from Seiko to further their work. Nominate a Sea Hero at scubadiving.com/seaheroes.