Known as the Academy Awards for the Ocean, the annual Peter Benchley Ocean Awards are the leading honours for ocean conservation worldwide.
They recognise remarkable accomplishments that contribute to safeguarding our oceans, coasts, and the communities reliant on them. Named after Peter Benchley, the author of Jaws, these Awards honour his lasting legacy and commitment to promoting awareness about the vital need to protect sharks and marine ecosystems.
Held in partnership with Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP), a coalition of aquariums and zoos for aquatic conservation, this year’s ceremony will celebrate the relaunch of the Awards on 8 May 2025 at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland.
This occasion aligns with the 50th anniversary of the film Jaws, highlighting the enduring influence of Peter Benchley’s work on popular culture and marine conservation.
Proceeds from the event will support ACP’s mission to protect ocean and freshwater ecosystems by enhancing and unifying the conservation efforts of aquariums for greater overall and individual effectiveness.
The winners
The recipients of this year’s awards are as follows:
- 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 (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 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.”
See also: Building a sustainable future: the work of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership
