John Christopher Fine is a marine biologist and ocean explorer. He holds the highest professional licenses as a Master Deep Sea Diving Instructor and Instructor Trainer as well as a Certified Underwater Photography Instructor. His underwater pictures were accorded first prize in world competition on the Island of Malta. His photographs grace covers of books, magazines and front pages of newspapers around the world. He is author of 27 books, many used as standard references.
John holds degrees in science, a doctor of jurisprudence, with specialty in maritime affairs, as well as a DD. Frequently called upon as an expert in salvage and ocean issues, the author has provided testimony and information to help guide legislation in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
John received prizes and awards for his work in the ocean environment and marine conservation. He has been elected into the Hall of Honor of Diving with lifetime membership in the prestigious National Association of Diving Instructors. He’s been awarded the Dr. Charles Brown trophy and cited for Distinguished Service. John received the Freedom Award, the Herman Melville Literary Prize, and the Gold Medal of the World Underwater Federation for his work organizing the Miami International Underwater Congress. He served terms as an elected member of CMAS’ Executive Bureau and as the International body’s Chief Press Attache. As a fellow of the Explorers Club, John carried their flag on eight expeditions.
The author received the Stoneman Marine Environment Award, a rarely given special honor for those that have made extraordinary contributions to ocean conservation. Fine is an elected fellow of the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences and recipient of their NOGI award.
John’s work with wild mustangs enabled sanctuary programs to protect wild herds in the American west on his large ranch in South Dakota. While he continues to log hundreds of dives every year and write upwards of a hundred articles for magazines and newspapers annually, his summers are spent at his horse farm in Pennsylvania where he also directs the Lincoln Museum devoted to education and preservation of the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln as well as American heritage and history.