Ben Edmonds joined the sanctuary in October of 2021 as a Marine Stewardship and Monitoring Specialist for Mission: Iconic Reefs where he supports dive-based fieldwork, data management and analysis. Originally from Kansas, Edmonds found a love for conservation work in the mountains of New Mexico while working at Philmont Scout Ranch. He moved to the Florida Keys in 2015 and discovered a passion for the ocean, sailing, and SCUBA diving, working as an eco-tour guide and then as a SCUBA instructor in Key West before joining FKNMS.

After graduating from Hendrix College, Ben continued his studies at the College of the Florida Keys where he focused on Marine Environmental Technology and earned his AAUS scientific diving certification. Edmonds served as the College’s STEM technician and research assistant, working as a videographer and scientific diver on projects supported by CFK, and has worked as an environmental consultant and diver in the private sector.

Ben is still an avid diver and photographer who can often be found on the wrecks and reefs of the Florida Keys with a camera in hand.

 

“Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” – Teddy Roosevelt