Sylvia A. Earle

Legendary ocean researcher Sylvia Earle shares astonishing images of the ocean -- and shocking stats about its rapid decline -- as she makes her TED Prize wish: that we will join her in protecting the vital blue heart of the planet.

Dive deep into the fascinating, horrifying, hopeful story of the ocean with world-renowned marine biologist Sylvia Earle. (Audio only)

In 2009, marine biologist Sylvia Earle stood on the TED stage and made a wish: to build a global network of "Hope Spots" and protect the ocean before it's too late. Seventeen years later, she's back to report on what's happened since — and the picture is both more urgent and more hopeful than you might expect. From 100,000 fur seals saved from near-extinction to coral reefs rebuilt clam by clam, Earle says we already know exactly what needs to be done; the only thing left is to find the will to do it.

Following her talk at TED2026, marine biologist Sylvia A. Earle joins Elise Hu, host of TED Talks Daily, to discuss the wonder and importance of the deep sea. From her groundbreaking trips to the sea floor to her work restoring marine habitats across the world, Earle dives into why our survival depends on a healthy ocean. Her bet? If everyone experienced the magic of the deep sea, we’d all be motivated to protect it.