The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards: The true legacy of JAWS author
Created in 2007, the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of a man who not only penned one of the most iconic literary thrillers of our time but also advocated tirelessly for the conservation and protection of our oceans.
Named in honor of Peter Benchley, the author behind the gripping tale of "Jaws," these awards recognize individuals, organizations, and media that demonstrate exceptional commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems and promoting ocean conservation. Just as Benchley's novel brought to light the awe-inspiring yet vulnerable world beneath the waves, the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards continue to shine a spotlight on those who champion the cause of our oceans, ensuring their preservation for generations to come.
The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ were created with the vision of honoring individuals from diverse marine fields who are making remarkable contributions. These remarkable individuals are tackling the challenges facing our oceans, coastlines, and wildlife, and it's crucial to recognize and applaud their efforts.
Founded by Wendy Benchley and David Helvarg, and named after Peter Benchley, the renowned author of "Jaws" and a lifelong advocate for sharks and the ocean, these awards were established to acknowledge the outstanding work and dedication of these individuals. They also aim to foster collaboration across different disciplines to generate innovative solutions for our oceans. Over the past decade, the Awards have celebrated the achievements of eighty-three exceptional champions of ocean conservation.
The impact of Benchley Award winners cannot be overstated. Their work and leadership have spurred increased support and momentum for ocean conservation worldwide. Their unwavering dedication to ocean excellence will undoubtedly contribute to creating a safer and more resilient home for nature and humanity for generations to come.
Awards
Winner’s include Joshua S. Reichert and the Pew Charitable Trusts’ Ocean Group honored for ‘Sustained Ocean Achievement’
Award categories were
National Stewardship of the Ocean
Awarded to the representative of a nation that has made a unique and exceptional contribution to the protection, restoration and appreciation of our global oceans.
Excellence in Science
Awarded to an individual or individuals who have provided cutting edge marine science either through his or her efforts or as leader(s) of a team that has advanced the cause of understanding ocean processes, marine ecology and conservation biology.
Excellence in Policy
Awarded to an individual who contributes to advancing the cause of sustainable ocean use and protection based on the best available science and through the establishment of effective and enforceable laws and regulations.
Excellence in Media
Awarded to an individual or media outlet that shows exceptional ability in communicating ocean issues of concern to the public in ways that inform and/or inspire people to act as engaged citizens.
Excellence in Solutions
Awarded to an individual who helps find or create a practical solution to one of the many environmental challenges confronting our seas.
Excellence in Exploration
Awarded to an individual or group that contributes to our understanding of the seas through bold exploring and courageous efforts to uncover new and different aspects of our ocean planet.
Ocean Spirit Foundation Award
The Ocean Spirit Foundation Award went to a charitable foundation whose work provided measurable and enduring benefit to the cause of ocean and coastal protection and restoration. This prize category has been discontinued.
Christopher Benchley Youth Award
Awarded to a young person who early in life has already made a significant contribution to marine conservation and public education about our seas.
Hero of the Seas Award
Awarded to a marine grassroots activist or activists who have made a major and long-term commitment to improving the quality of our seas and the communities that depend on them.
Retired
Sadly, the Peter Benchey Ocean Awards were retired in 2017 after a decade of shining the light of recognition and support on some of the most deserving people contributing to ocean conservation….
Co-founders of the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards Wendy Benchley and David Helvarg
“Dear Friends of the Benchley Ocean Awards:
Many of you have already heard the news about retiring the Benchley Awards, but we wanted to post another message to ensure that everyone is updated...
The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards were founded on the idea that individuals across every field of marine endeavor were doing outstanding work— providing solutions to the challenges faced by our ocean, coastlines, and wildlife—and that they should be acknowledged and honored. We established the Benchley’s to recognize and celebrate the work and dedication of these individuals and to foster cross-discipline collaboration to expand on their ocean solutions.
Over the past decade the Awards have recognized seventy-seven extraordinary ocean conservation champions. Thanks to your support the Awards and our winners have gained stature and visibility across our community and our blue world.
We believe the work and leadership of our Benchley winners has helped propel a significant upsurge in global support and momentum for ocean conservations over the past decade, and we are writing to let you know that after ten fulfilling years we have decided it is time to retire the Benchley Awards.
Bravo to all seventy-seven award winners and to the hundreds of other committed individuals around the world for their care of our imperiled oceans and their service to ocean conservation!
With sincere thanks for your support and encouragement.”
If you would like to write for The Daily Jaws, please visit our ‘work with us’ page
For all the latest Jaws, shark and shark movie news, follow The Daily Jaws on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.