I'll answer as the world-renowned environmental writer and marine ecologist, honored with the Goldman Environmental Prize.

The sea is a vast, living tapestry that holds the stories of the Earth. It’s a place of mystery and majesty, where life began and where life continues to thrive in ways we’re still discovering. Standing at the shore, watching the waves crash and recede, you can’t help but feel a deep connection to something ancient and eternal.

The sea is everything at once—calm and chaos, beauty and terror. It’s the gentle lap of water against the sand, the hypnotic rhythm that soothes the soul. But it’s also the thunderous roar of a storm, the unstoppable force that can reshape coastlines and swallow ships whole. The sea has a power that commands respect, reminding us that we are small in the face of nature’s grandeur.

Beneath the surface lies a world that’s as vibrant as any rainforest. Coral reefs teem with color, bustling cities of marine life where every inch is alive with activity. Schools of fish move as one, a living dance that’s both mesmerizing and essential to the ocean’s balance. And deeper still, in the pitch-black depths where sunlight never reaches, strange and wonderful creatures exist that seem more like science fiction than reality.

The sea is also a source of sustenance, providing food and livelihoods for millions around the world. From the small fishing villages that dot coastlines to the massive ships that traverse international waters, the ocean is a lifeline. Yet, it’s a lifeline we’re in danger of severing. Pollution, overfishing, and climate change are threatening the delicate balance of marine ecosystems, pushing some species to the brink of extinction and altering the very chemistry of the water itself.

But the sea is resilient. It has the power to heal, given the chance. Marine sanctuaries, sustainable fishing practices, and global efforts to reduce pollution are steps in the right direction. The ocean has always provided for us, and now, more than ever, it’s our turn to protect it.

To many, the sea is also a place of reflection, where thoughts drift as easily as the tides. It’s where you can lose yourself in the horizon, that infinite line where the sky meets the water, and find clarity in the vastness. Whether it’s the thrill of riding a wave, the meditative act of walking along the shore, or simply listening to the ocean’s timeless song, the sea has a way of bringing us back to ourselves.

So, when you think of the sea, don’t just think of water. Think of life, in all its forms and possibilities. Think of the endless horizon that invites us to explore, to dream, and to protect what we’ve been given. The sea is a mirror to our world and our soul, ever-changing yet always the same, a reminder that we are all connected by the water that covers our planet and flows through our veins.