“The quiet of the summer bay, the blue water and the hot sand shores... the gulls plucking scallops from the shallows, swooping upward, and dropping them on the old erratic boulders carried down out of the north by the great glaciers... the ospreys lugging glinting fish across the sky, the bright lobster buoys and white sails, the yelp and crying of the nesting gulls, the screech of terns."
~ Peter Matthiessen, Men’s Lives
DR. SYLVIA EARLE: HOPE SPOTS & HIDDEN WORLDS – HUMANITY’S PLACE IN THE OCEAN
On Sunday, September 20, 2026, renowned marine biologist, undersea explorer, and founder of Mission Blue, Dr. Sylvia Earle explored the power of writing to illuminate what we know—and don’t know—about the ocean, where the vast majority of life remains unseen. At her sold-out presentation given at Guild Hall, Dr. Earle highlighted collaborative restoration efforts with the Shinnecock Bay Hope Spot, including Dr. Ellen Pikitch and the Indigenous Advisory Council. The bay’s designation as a Mission Blue Hope Spot signifies much more than scientific research and restoration; Hope Spots recognize a water body’s cultural, recreational, and traditional importance. Shinnecock Bay is integral to the local Indigenous community and holds great cultural, ecological, and spiritual value. Joined by Dr. Carl Safina, marine ecologist, author, and founder of The Safina Center, the afternoon highlighted a pivotal moment for understanding our place in the ocean’s intricate web of life. We hope you enjoy a recording of the event below!
DR. SYLVIA EARLE
Dr. Sylvia Earle is the founder of Mission Blue, an organization which inspires global action to explore and protect the ocean by uniting a coalition to support marine protected areas, called Hope Spots, elevating them through expeditions, media, and outreach to safeguard the ocean’s health. As one of the world’s most renowned marine biologists and undersea explorers, has spent her life illuminating the ocean’s wonders and fragility. She has authored more than 125 scientific and popular publications, led 50+ ocean expeditions with over 6,000 hours underwater, and holds the world solo diving depth record. Born in New Jersey, she earned degrees from Florida State University and Duke University. She served as Chief Scientist of NOAA, received 12 honorary doctorates, and was Time magazine’s first “Hero for the Planet.”
DR. CARL SAFINA
Renowned ecologist and writer, Dr. Carl Safina’s lyrical non-fiction explores how humans are changing the living world and what those changes mean for all species. His work combines scientific insight, emotional connection, and a moral call to action. Safina has received a MacArthur “genius” prize, Pew, Guggenheim, and NSF fellowships, and numerous book awards. He is the founding president of The Safina Center and the first Endowed Professor for Nature and Humanity at Stony Brook University. Author of ten books, including Song for the Blue Ocean and Alfie & Me, he hosted the PBS series Saving the Ocean and contributes to outlets such as The New York Times, TIME, and National Geographic.
