Ian Koblick is an aquanaut, an underwater explorer recognized as a trailblazer in the 71% of Earth covered by water. Think of him as a visionary wearing a scuba mask. He founded the Marine Resources Development Foundation in 1970 in the U.S. Virgin Islands, conducting research as well as inventing submergible craft and technology to live and work beneath the open seas. Sixteen years later, Koblick heard a calling. He wanted to bring the reefs, mangroves, sea turtles, grouper, manatees, sharks and all the beauty and significance below surface to students. Key Largoâs MarineLab became the educational arm of his non-profit organization, and itâs made an impact even Ian (pronounced YAHN) didnât envision.