Michael Carvalho Becomes Member of The Explorers Club

September 9, 2020 – Michael Carvalho, a distinguished environmental attorney and dedicated explorer, has been elected as a National Member of The Explorers Club (TEC). Founded in New York City in 1904, TEC is renowned for promoting scientific exploration of land, sea, air, and space, supporting research and education in physical, natural, and biological sciences. The Club’s members have achieved a series of remarkable firsts, including reaching the North and South Poles, the summit of Mount Everest, the deepest point in the ocean, and even the surface of the moon.

Michael Carvalho’s election to The Explorers Club follows his notable achievements in exploration and environmental advocacy. In 2018, Carvalho participated in a SCUBA diving expedition to Antarctica, immersing himself in the icy depths alongside penguins and leopard seals. His contributions as a Delegate to the United Nations Environment Program for North America at the UNEA-4 Summit in Nairobi, Kenya in 2019 further showcased his commitment to global environmental issues.

“Exploration opens the mind to the wonders of the world,” said Carvalho. “I am deeply honored to be elected to The Explorers Club and am committed to advancing the mission of this remarkable community.” In the 1970s, Michael Carvalho would watch “The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau” with his father and two brothers as they explored the world’s oceans aboard the Calypso.

In addition to his role at The Explorers Club, Carvalho is the president of Carvalho & Associates, P.C., with offices in Boston, MA, and Atlanta, GA. He specializes in environmental law, encompassing litigation, regulatory, and transactional matters. Carvalho is also a Trustee with MECT, where he supports the preservation of ecologically significant places.

Michael’s extensive diving experience includes over 3,500 dives across all five Great Oceans over the past 50 years. His exploration resume features a 2022 Arctic Circle expedition, where he dived among walrus and whales and observed the effects of climate change on the Svalbard reindeer. He also participated in the 2024 POLEs Expedition to Antarctica, where he worked with scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the University of Hawaii to collect eDNA, conduct physical oceanography experiments, and document underwater environments. This expedition, which coincided with the 150th anniversary of the Challenger Expedition, provided critical data on the impact of climate change on polar marine biodiversity. Carvalho will author a paper for the U.N. on the Treaty of Antarctica’s Madrid Protocol, assessing its environmental protections.

As a National Member of The Explorers Club and a Fellow with the Royal Geographical Society of London, Michael Carvalho continues to contribute to both scientific exploration and environmental advocacy. He resides in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, with his wife and two children and can often be found diving off Cape Ann on his boat, Legal Claws.

Photo of Mike Carvalho as he became officially “Bi-Polar” following a 2022 Expedition to the Arctic Circle where he dove among walrus and whales while doing his best to avoid hungry polar bears underwater. He also went mountain climbing into the remote fjords of Svalbard, Norway where he observed the remarkably adaptations of the Svalbard reindeer and the challenges these amazing animals face from Climate Change.

A Tribute to My Father: Ronald M. Carvalho

My father, Ronald M. Carvalho, always encouraged my brothers and me to dream big and never be afraid to chart a course toward those dreams. His unwavering belief in the power of determination and passion shaped my life in countless ways. While I had known of The Explorers Club for years, I never imagined I would one day become a member myself. But, as my father taught me, with dedication and perseverance, even the loftiest dreams can become reality.

My journey to diving in some of the most remote corners of the earth led me to a lifelong friend and dive buddy, Dr. Angel Yanagihara. Not only did she nominate me for membership in The Explorers Club, but she also invited me to join an extraordinary team of scientists on the POLEs Expedition to Antarctica, carrying the historic Explorers Club Flag #44. This flag, over 100 years old, has accompanied numerous polar expeditions, symbolizing the thrill of discovery and the fulfillment of dreams that seemed impossible.

I am deeply grateful to Angel and to the incredible sponsors who supported our team and ensured our equipment reached Antarctica. The experience was not just about exploration—it was about pushing boundaries, making new friendships, and realizing that with the right course, risks, and determination, dreams can come true.

I look forward to sharing this remarkable journey with anyone who will listen, especially the young dreamers who wonder just how far their aspirations can take them. My father’s legacy lives on in my continued efforts to push the limits of what is possible.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Left Photo: Antarctica March 2024, Dr. Angel Yanagihara, from the University of Hawaii, is one of the world’s leading experts on jellyfish and zoo plankton; Michael Carvalho at far right, holding The Explorers Club flag #44 which is over 100 years old and has accompanied numerous polar expeditions.

Right Photo: Folly Cove, Gloucester, MA, July 1977, Ronald M. Carvalho seen after scuba diving with his three sons from left to right, Mark, Ron and Michael Carvalho (12) at far right.

Learn to Skin Dive in Massachusetts
(As Advertised in 1977!)

Explore the underwater world along the Massachusetts coast with expert instruction. This course covers everything from breath-hold diving techniques to safety protocols and gear usage, perfect for beginners and seasoned adventurers alike. Join us to discover local dive spots, including the rocky shores of Cape Ann and the pristine waters of Buzzards Bay. Classes offer hands-on experience with the latest equipment and tips on marine life identification. Dive into adventure and become part of the growing skin diving community!

First issue of The Skin Diver magazine, originally published in 1951 and running until 2002. Targeted towards the growing community of SCUBA and free divers, the magazine featured articles on dive techniques, underwater photography, marine biology, and reviews of dive sites around the world. Readers could also find advertisements for early diving gear, such as wetsuits, masks, fins, regulators, and spear guns, as well as equipment from emerging dive manufacturers. It became a central hub for enthusiasts as the sport of diving gained global popularity.

September 2015 – 27lb Lobster caught while SCUBA diving and safely returned to the ocean. In Massachusetts, licensed divers can harvest up to 15 lobsters per day, provided they meet legal size limits and are not egg-bearing females, which are critical to preserving the breeding stock. American lobsters are vital to the marine ecosystem, but rising ocean temperatures due to climate change pose a threat to their populations, pushing them into deeper, cooler waters. Interestingly, lobsters were once considered ‘poor man’s food’ and were regularly served to prisoners in the 19th century.

Michael Carvalho, proudly wearing his Explorers Club cap, was inducted into The Explorers Club in 2019. A seasoned environmental attorney with over 30 years of experience, Michael has participated in multiple polar expeditions, including diving in Antarctica and the Arctic Circle. His work as a citizen scientist focuses on climate change and marine conservation. As a UNEA-4 Assembly delegate in 2019, he has contributed to global environmental policy discussions, furthering his commitment to protecting fragile ecosystems through law and advocacy.

In April 2021, Attorney Michael Carvalho expertly navigated a 40 ft Beneteau through the iconic San Francisco Bay, embarking on a transit from San Francisco to Monterey. With brisk winds typical of the Bay Area, ranging between 15 to 25 knots, and choppy waters, the conditions provided a challenging yet exhilarating experience for seasoned sailors. Known for its strong currents and frequent fog, the Bay demands skill, particularly when handling a large vessel like the Beneteau. Michael, who holds both his 6-pack Captain’s license and membership with the bar, demonstrated his proficiency in sailing large vessels, expertly balancing sail trim and helm control amidst the ever-changing weather.

Captain Michael Carvalho aboard his Parker 25, Legal Claws, where he spends most weekends diving the waters off Cape Ann. His favorite local dive sites include Kettle Island, Pickett’s Ledge, and Half Way Rock. A passionate underwater explorer, Michael’s dedication to marine conservation and adventure is reflected in his recent membership in The Explorers Club, recognizing his contributions to citizen science and environmental stewardship.

October 2020 – Michael Carvalho diving with playful Steller Sea Lions off Hornby Island, British Columbia. In this photo, one of the curious sea lions is gently biting his head, much like a playful dog!

Steller sea lions, the largest of the sea lion species, gather in colonies along the North Pacific coast from Russia to California. They thrive in cold, nutrient-rich waters, feeding on fish, squid, and octopus. These social animals can live up to 30 years in the wild. However, climate change is altering their habitat, reducing prey availability due to warming ocean temperatures and shifting marine ecosystems.

METRO ATLANTA OFFICE

707 Whitlock Ave, SW | Suite E-19 | Marietta, GA 30064

BOSTON COASTAL OFFICE

Post Office Box 1584 | Manchester, MA 01944

Legal Notice | Contact Us | Privacy Policy