Sheree Marris

Where were you born?

On the shores of Western Port Bay on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. Not literally, but I might as well have been—I was basically raised by rockpools and mangroves.

What other jobs have you had?

Oh, some absolute pearlers. I’ve stuffed chickens in a processing factory (glamorous, I know), monitored water quality, helped write and film IMAX movies, curated international exhibitions, consulted for corporates, wrangled tiny humans as a marine educator on slippery rock platforms—and was once famously rejected live on national TV… underwater… by a male seahorse.

What themes are recurring in your work?

Passion. It’s infectious—in the best possible way. And using nature as the ultimate life coach for business, love and survival. After all, it’s been refining what works for millions of years—without our meddling—and it’s done a pretty brilliant job.

What have been the highlights of your career?

Leading an ocean panel at Al Gore’s Climate Reality Leadership Corps—talking climate and science with global changemakers. Winning several Young Australian of the Year awards. Self-publishing my own book and selling it out, surviving over 20 years as my own boss without a nervous breakdown, a corporate HR department or paid leave. And never giving up—backing bold ideas and watching them create the change I always knew they could.

Where have your works been published?

BBC, Ocean Geographic, Australian Geographic, and Pan Macmillan—so basically from boardrooms to beach towels.

What are you passionate about?

Showcasing the wonders of the natural world—especially when it’s weird, wild and sprinkled with a little seawater.

Haven’t I seen you before?

Probably! My face has popped up on The Project, Studio Ten, and Sunrise. I’m a regular on ABC Radio and in magazines like Ocean Geographic and Australian Geographic. Basically, I’m your friendly neighbourhood ocean nerd — just with better lighting.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

I can talk underwater. Literally. And figuratively. Just hand me a mic and maybe a wetsuit.