Cristina ‘Mitty’ Mittermeier is a renowned marine biologist and conservationist who has dedicated her life to protecting the oceans. She shares her experiences of close encounters with marine life, including a dangerous incident with a southern right whale. Her work often involves scuba diving, but she emphasizes that her dives are not recreational; they serve as a tool to observe and document the effects of human impact on marine ecosystems. Mittermeier’s new book, “Hope,” aims to inspire readers by highlighting conservation successes and the vital efforts of passionate individuals working to save the oceans, despite widespread challenges like pollution and overfishing.