Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP), a coalition of aquariums and zoos for aquatic conservation, has announced that it is collaborating with the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, which celebrate the work of individuals who are committed to ocean conservation excellence.
This partnership highlights the two organisations’ collective dedication to ocean conservation and will expand the reach and impact of the prestigious awards.
Kim McIntyre, executive director of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership, says: “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.”
The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards are set to take place at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, US, on 1 May 2025.
Celebrating innovators in ocean conservation
The awards were named in honour of Peter Benchley, a lifelong champion for sharks and ocean preservation and author of the novel Jaws, which reached its 50th anniversary earlier this month.
They are known as the ‘Academy Awards for the Ocean’, and celebrate the individuals who provide innovative solutions to concerns affecting the ocean, ecosystems, species, and climate.
Wendy Benchley, co-founder of the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, comments: “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.”
John Racanelli, National Aquarium CEO, adds: “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.”
David Helvarg, co-founder of the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, says: “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.”
The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards are governed by a respected council of ocean conservation leaders, guaranteeing a fair and robust selection procedure that preserves the awards’ high standards and ideals.
The selection committee for the 2025 awards will include:
- Wendy Benchley, ocean conservation and policy advocate
- Dr Sylvia Earle, oceanographer, National Geographic explorer in residence, founder, Mission Blue Sylvia Earle Alliance
- David Helvarg, author, founder and executive director, Blue Frontier
- Kim McIntyre, executive director, ACP
- 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 and external relations officer, Nia Tero.
The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards recognise nominees’ tireless dedication and major impact on ocean conservation. Nominations for the awards will open in September 2024.
Earlier this year, Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP) encouraged people to sign a petition calling on the Biden administration in the US to stand as a leader in the creation of the Global Plastics Treaty.
