JAWS 50th anniversary Peter Benchley Ocean Awards winners announced
Often referred to as the Academy Awards for the Ocean, the annual Peter Benchley Ocean Awards represent the foremost global honors in ocean conservation.
These awards celebrate outstanding achievements that help protect our oceans, coasts, and the communities that depend on them. Named after Jaws author Peter Benchley, they serve as a tribute to his enduring legacy and dedication to raising awareness about the crucial need to safeguard sharks and marine ecosystems.
In collaboration with the Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP)—a coalition of aquariums and zoos focused on aquatic conservation—this year’s ceremony marks the relaunch of the Awards. The event will take place on 8 May 2025 at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland.
Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the film Jaws, this special occasion underscores the lasting impact of Peter Benchley’s work on both popular culture and marine conservation.
Proceeds from the event will support ACP’s mission to protect ocean and freshwater ecosystems by strengthening and unifying conservation initiatives across aquariums, increasing both collective and individual impact.
The Winners
This year’s award recipients are:
Excellence in Sustainable Business Solutions: Dr. Fisk Johnson, chairman and CEO of SC Johnson
Christopher Benchley Youth Award: Shalise Leesfield, teen conservationist
Excellence in Policy: Brenda Mallory, former chair of the Council on Environmental Quality
Ocean Hero Award: Jason Momoa, actor, entrepreneur, filmmaker, and UNEP Advocate for Life Below Water (accepted on his behalf 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 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
Excellence in Science and Exploration: Dr. Dawn Wright, chief scientist of Esri
“I am thrilled that the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards are being relaunched in partnership with ACP,” says Wendy Benchley, awards co-founder.
“This year’s Benchley Award winners are powerful and compelling leaders in ocean conservation. 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.”
“Now, more than ever, our community needs to come together to celebrate the incredible strides we’re making for the future of our ocean,” says 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.”
David Helvarg, author, executive director of Blue Frontier, and awards co-founder, adds: “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.”
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