If we were to lose our fish that we appreciate so much by overfishing; or if we were to lose some of our favorite beaches to overbuilding and pollution, then how would we feel? It's become a case of not knowing what you've got until it's gone.

Retiring is a strange word. I'm 27 years old. I've still got stuff to do.

I grew up in an area of a lot of growth, in Orange County, California, and spent most of my youth on the beach. I had witnessed the degradation of our Back Bay and the increased number of closed beach days over the years.

We can still maintain our coasts and oceans for the generations to come, who deserve what we have.

I have always had a very natural connection to the water, and that connection stems from the ocean itself.

I think people will be surprised at how fast they go next year. I do think world records will get broken next year.

If we were to lose our fish that we appreciate so much by overfishing; or if we were to lose some of our favorite beaches to overbuilding and pollution, then how would we feel? It's become a case of not knowing what you've got until it's gone.