Today in North America we celebrate the Summer Solstice which marks the official start of summer. We celebrate the Solstice as a time of growth and abundance. Today we want to take a moment to honor the legacy of a remarkable individual who inspired us, especially me, to deepen our connection with the ocean and nature.



Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, a beloved marine biologist, passionate sea turtle advocate, and the author of "Blue Mind," dedicated his life to helping people experience the transformative power of water. His concept of "Blue Mind" describes a water-induced state of calm, unity, and inspired will to protect and restore our natural world. It's the antidote to the "red mind" stress that so many of us face today.


J, as he was affectionately known, believed that the oceans give us life and that our planet's wild places make life worth living. He taught us that by connecting with water, we can heal and rejuvenate ourselves, finding peace amidst the chaos of everyday life.
His heart-centered work sparked a global movement, influencing countless environmental organizations, businesses, and educational institutions.

“Preserving, protecting, and restoring our waters are tasks for many lifetimes, and sometimes the effort can seem overwhelming. But as long as we stay connected with all of the many, many blessings that water provides, and continue to keep that love in the forefront of our minds and hearts, as long as we remind ourselves to hope, then our stories will help connect others to water and encourage them to do what they can to help care for this beautiful Blue Marble world.”

― Dr. Wallace J. Nichols


J inspired people around the world to protect and restore the oceans, using awe and connection rather than guilt and fear to drive action. His simple yet profound act of gifting a blue marble as a gesture of gratitude has reached over 1 billion people, including notable figures like Dr. Sylvia Earle, Dr. Jane Goodall, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

J's work reshaped the water narrative, highlighting not just its economic and ecological benefits but also its emotional value. He called this "neuroconservation," connecting neuropsychology with the restoration of the natural world. J emphasized that water is medicine, a concept that every culture and spiritual tradition has recognized throughout history. His "Seven Forms of Water" illustrate the myriad ways water influences our lives, from the wild waters in nature to the urban waters in our cities, and even the virtual and metaphorical waters in art and memory.

In honor of Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, we encourage you to read "Blue Mind" and discover the profound impact that water can have on your emotional, cognitive, and spiritual well-being. As J would say, "Get in the water." Whether it's a dip in the ocean, a swim in a lake, or simply listening to the sound of a stream, take a moment to connect with water and experience its healing power.

This Summer Solstice, let's come together as a community to celebrate J's legacy and continue his mission of letting every human being know about the beneficial aspects of water for physical and mental health. You can honor Dr. Wallace J. Nichols by:

Contribute to the Dr. Wallace J. Nichols Memorial Fund

Buying his book: BLUE MIND: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do 

We extend our heartfelt condolences to J’s family. J will forever inspire our work and our connection to the ocean. We will always find him on the warm ocean breeze, amongst the waves, and in every moment we pause to feel awe and appreciation for our beautiful, blue, water planet.

Thank you for being part of the Seatopia community. Together, let's honor J’s legacy by embracing our Blue Mind and protecting our precious oceans.

With gratitude,
James Arthur  
Founder & CEO, Seatopia

"The blue marble represents our beautiful blue planet. There are thousands of blue marbles being passed between people all around the world. It's a reminder to take care of the little blue marble that we live on."

#357 Remembering Wallace J. Nichols by Kyle Thiermann

Read on Substack

Related Article

Blog posts from aquaculture blog

A Milestone in Ocean Regeneration: Celebrating 20,000 Kelp Trees Planted - SEATOPIA

A Milestone in Ocean Regeneration: Celebrating 20,000 Kelp Trees Planted

Celebrating 20,000 Kelp Trees Planted for Ocean Regeneration
Thanks to the Seatopia community, we've planted over 20,000 kelp trees in British Columbia, creating a thriving kelp forest that supports marine life, improves water quality, and helps offset ocean acidification. This milestone is just the beginning—together, we're regenerating our oceans, one kelp tree at a time.

Leer más

Ocean Rainforest’s Offshore Kelp Farm in Southern California - SEATOPIA

Ocean Rainforest’s Offshore Kelp Farm in Southern California

At Seatopia, we’re passionate about supporting regenerative ocean initiatives that enhance marine ecosystems and create sustainable food systems. That’s why we’re thrilled to share the incredible work of Ocean Rainforest, an organization spearheading offshore kelp farming projects with transformative potential...

Leer más

61 Full Moons to 2030: Protecting Our Oceans with the 30x30 Campaign - SEATOPIA

61 Full Moons to 2030: Protecting Our Oceans with the 30x30 Campaign

Under the Cold Moon, reflect on the 61 moons until 2030—a pivotal year for ocean health. Explore the 30x30 campaign and how you can create a legacy of thriving seas.

Leer más

Are We Still Mermaids? Embracing Our Aquatic Roots for Modern Health - SEATOPIA

Are We Still Mermaids? Embracing Our Aquatic Roots for Modern Health

Could it be that our bodies are still adapted for life by the sea? Anthropologists have long debated the Aquatic Ape Hypothesis, suggesting that our coastal-dwelling ancestors relied on the ocean’s rich resources to fuel brain development and evolution. At Seatopia, we believe that embracing these aquatic origins can revolutionize modern health. Discover how omega-3-rich seafood shaped human evolution and why it remains essential for cognitive health, longevity, and sustainability. Join us in our mission to Make Seafood Healthy Again!

Leer más

What Do Buffalo And Fish Have In Common? - SEATOPIA

What Do Buffalo And Fish Have In Common?

A story about one of the greatest environmental achievements in history. We have the chance to rebuild fish populations, enhance ecosystems, and sustainably meet the demand for seafood. Together, we can make a difference.

Leer más

Introducing Esteros Lubimar: A Regenerative Approach to Exceptional Seafood - SEATOPIA

Introducing Esteros Lubimar: A Regenerative Approach to Exceptional Seafood

Introducing Esteros Lubimar—a farm that combines regenerative aquaculture with restorative practices. With low-density farming, natural diets, and a groundbreaking seagrass restoration project, Esteros Lubimar offers seafood that’s not only delicious but regenerates the environment. Available now at Seatopia.

Leer más

Seatopia Celebrates 13,000 Kelp Trees Planted - SEATOPIA

Seatopia Celebrates 13,000 Kelp Trees Planted

Seatopia has reached a monumental milestone: planting 13,000 kelp trees in British Columbia. This kelp reforestation project aka Seaforestation, a collaboration with Coastal Kelp, veritree, Ecodrive, and Sea Forest, is helping restore marine ecosystems, sequester carbon, and protect coastlines. Discover how regenerative aquaculture can create a healthier future for our oceans.

Leer más

Understanding Fats in Salmon: A Guide for Health-Conscious Consumers - SEATOPIA

Understanding Fats in Salmon: A Guide for Health-Conscious Consumers

Choosing the right salmon matters for your health. This guide explores the differences in fat profiles between wild, conventionally farmed, and sustainably farmed Seatopia salmon. Find out why Seatopia’s microalgae and insect-based diets offer a superior balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fats, perfect for health-conscious consumers."

Leer más