Baltimore, M.D., February 19, 2025 - The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ proudly announces its notable 2025 winners:

• Ocean Hero Award, Jason Momoa, actor, entrepreneur, filmmaker, and UNEP Advocate for Life Below Water (to be accepted by Jason Dibble and Jerrod Freund from Boomerang Water)

• Excellence in National Leadership, Her Excellency Ambassador Paula Narváez, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Chile to the United Nations

• Excellence in Policy, Brenda Mallory, former Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality

• Excellence in Science and Exploration, Dr. Dawn Wright, Chief Scientist of Esri

• Excellence in Sustainable Business Solutions, Dr. Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO, SC Johnson

• Excellence in Media, Netflix's "Our Oceans," executive produced by James Honeyborne, Barack Obama, and Michelle Obama

• Excellence in Action, Chairwoman Violet Sage Walker, Northern Chumash Tribal Council

• Christopher Benchley Youth Award, Shalise Leesfield, teen conservationist

Widely regarded as the "Academy Awards for the Ocean," the annual Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ are the world's preeminent ocean conservation honors. They are unique in acknowledging outstanding achievements across many sectors of society, leading to the protection of our oceans, coasts, and communities that depend on them. Named in honor of Peter Benchley, renowned author of Jaws, the Awards celebrate his enduring legacy and lifelong dedication to raising public awareness about the critical importance of protecting sharks and ocean ecosystems.

Held in partnership with the Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP), this year's ceremony will mark the prestigious relaunch of the Awards on May 8, 2025, at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland. The event coincides with the 50th anniversary of the release of Jaws, underscoring the lasting impact of Peter Benchley's work on popular culture and marine conservation. Proceeds will benefit ACP and its mission to safeguard ocean and freshwater ecosystems by aligning and supporting the conservation efforts of aquariums for greater collective and individual impact. 

“I am thrilled that the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards are being relaunched in partnership with ACP. This year’s Benchley Award winners are powerful and compelling leaders in ocean conservation”, said Wendy Benchley, Awards Co-Founder. “Their creative solutions and dedication are making a real difference for sharks, marine ecosystems, and the future of our ocean. I know Peter would be so proud to see these incredible individuals recognized for their passion and meaningful impact on the blue planet he loved so much.”

Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased here. 

"Now, more than ever, our community needs to come together to celebrate the incredible strides we're making for the future of our ocean,” said Kim McIntyre, Executive Director of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership. “We're honored that Wendy Benchley has partnered with us on this event to support ACP's vital work in increasing the conservation impact of aquariums on issues of environmental justice, climate change, plastic pollution, and the protection of ecosystems and wildlife. We are thankful for all of our sponsors, including Seiko and SSA Group."

"The Benchley Awards offer hope by honoring a range of ocean heroes whose work suggests we can still grow solutions faster than the problems confronting our blue world”, said David Helvarg, Author, Executive Director of Blue Frontier and Awards co-founder.

About the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™

Wendy Benchley and David Helvarg co-founded the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, named in honor of Peter Benchley, author of Jaws and lifelong shark and ocean advocate. The awards recognize and celebrate the work and dedication of individuals committed to ocean conservation excellence. 

https://peterbenchleyoceanawards.org/ 

About ACP:

The Aquarium Conservation Partnership is a coalition of aquariums working to increase our conservation impact. Our 36 members in 22 states and Canada collectively welcome over 40 million visitors annually. ACP members advocate for policy change, advance federal and state conservation policies, mobilize audiences to take action, and demonstrate our commitment to conservation in our business practices.

Our mission is to safeguard ocean and freshwater ecosystems by aligning and supporting the conservation efforts of aquariums for greater collective and individual impact. 

https://www.aquariumconservation.org/ 

About National Aquarium 

The National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. Our compelling exhibits, science-based education programs and hands-on field initiatives engage more than 1.2 million people annually. One of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland, the Aquarium generates more than $430 million annually in economic impact to the state. For more information on the National Aquarium, visit www.aqua.org.