The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ Return in Partnership with the Aquarium Conservation Partnership as Jaws Celebrates its 50th Anniversary
Washington, D.C., June 4, 2024—The prestigious Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ are marking their return in collaboration with the Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP). This partnership underscores our collective commitment to ocean conservation, expanding both the reach and impact of these distinguished awards. “ACP is all about collaboration to enhance our conservation impact, and partnering with the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards allows us to deepen the conversation about ocean solutions with our diverse aquarium communities,” said Kim McIntyre, Executive Director of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership. Scheduled for May 1, 2025, the Benchley Awards will debut at the National Aquarium in Baltimore.
Often referred to as the 'Academy Awards for the Ocean’, these honors commemorate Peter Benchley, a lifelong advocate for sharks and ocean preservation and the renowned author of the iconic novel Jaws, which celebrates its 50th anniversary with a special edition release today. Founded to recognize individuals across an array of fields that impact the ocean, the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ honor those providing innovative solutions to the challenges facing our ocean, ecosystems, wildlife, and climate. “It’s an exhilarating time as Jaws marks a half-century of fascination with sharks and the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards return in partnership with the Aquarium Conservation Partnership,” said Wendy Benchley, Co-Founder of the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards.
“Although he was best known for his first novel, Peter Benchley spent much of his career working tirelessly to open the world’s eyes to the importance of the ocean. Over the past fifty years, the health of our one, interconnected ocean has become ever more critical to our future, as it is our life support system. The National Aquarium team is proud to serve on the selection committee and host the return of this prestigious awards event next May,” said National Aquarium CEO John Racanelli.
“From grassroots activists to heads of state, these awards celebrate a diverse array of leaders creating solutions to the challenges our ocean world faces, while inspiring a new generation of marine stewards,” notes the awards’ co-founder David Helvarg.
The selection process for the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ is overseen by a respected committee of ocean conservation leaders, ensuring a fair and rigorous selection process that upholds the high standards and values of the awards. The 2025 Selection Committee includes:
Wendy Benchley – Ocean Conservation and Policy Advocate
Dr. Sylvia Earle – Pioneering Oceanographer, National Geographic Explorer in Residence, and Founder of Mission Blue Sylvia Earle Alliance
David Helvarg – Author, Founder and Executive Director, Blue Frontier
Kim McIntyre – Executive Director, Aquarium Conservation Partnership
John Racanelli – CEO, National Aquarium
Sean Russell – Director of Youth Engagement, EarthEcho International
Dr. Enric Sala – National Geographic Explorer in Residence
Vikki Spruill – CEO, New England Aquarium
‘Aulani Wilhelm - Chief Strategy & External Relations Officer, Nia Tero
The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our nominees and their significant impact on global ocean conservation. Join us in celebrating their achievements and supporting ongoing efforts to protect our precious marine environments. Nominations for the awards open in September 2024.
About the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™
The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards was co-founded by Wendy Benchley and David Helvarg and named in honor of Peter Benchley, author of Jaws and lifelong shark and ocean advocate. The Benchley 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 U.S. aquariums working together to increase our conservation impact. Collectively, our 29 members in 21 states welcome over 35 million visitors a year. 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/
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