Woman to be honored for life under the sea

MIAMI, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- A woman who swam with the fishes, scaled underwater mountains and explored reefs will be honored during the International Women's Forum in Miami this week.

Sylvia Earle, a marine biologist who has spent more than 7,000 hours under water in her lifetime, is one of about 500 women from 45 countries meeting in Miami Wednesday through Friday, The Miami Herald reported.

Earle and Donna Shalala, president of the University of Miami, will be among four women awarded presidential medals of freedom during the event's closing gala.

"To have seen the changes that have taken place in my lifetime, to have seen the world within, I know if we keep doing what we're doing, our children and grandchildren will be up in arms because we failed to take action before it's too late," Earle said.

Female leaders in business, science, government, research and innovation are among attendees, the Herald said.

"It's critical as women leaders we have a huge responsibility to those coming behind us," said Esther Silver-Parker, the forum's president.