Nominations are now open for the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards 2025. Known as the “Academy Awards for the Ocean,” the awards honour Peter Benchley, the author of the classic novel Jaws and a lifetime supporter of sharks and ocean preservation. They celebrate those who provide innovative solutions to concerns affecting the ocean, ecosystems, species, and climate across various sectors.
Nominations close on 18 November. To submit a nominee, please click here.
The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, in partnership with the Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP), will be held on 1 May 2025 at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. The event will also mark the 50th anniversary of the original release of the movie Jaws.
See also: Building a sustainable future: the work of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership.
Celebrating excellence & innovation
The awards honour individuals and organisations across several categories:
- Excellence in national leadership. Awarded to the representative of a nation that has made a significant contribution to the conservation, restoration, and appreciation of the global ocean.
- Excellence in policy. This category honours an individual who works to advance the cause of sustainable ocean use and conservation using the best available science and by establishing effective and enforceable rules and regulations.
- Excellence in action. This award recognises a marine grassroots organisation, team, or individual that has demonstrated a significant and sustained commitment to enhancing the condition of our oceans and the communities that depend on them.
- Excellence in science and exploration. Presented to a person or organisation that advances our knowledge of the ocean using innovative marine research, daring exploration, or courageous efforts to discover new features of our oceanic world.
- Excellence in media. This award recognises an individual or media outlet who demonstrates outstanding skill in communicating ocean issues of concern to the public in ways that inform and/or inspire people to become involved citizens.
- Excellence in sustainable business solutions. Awarded to a company that contributes to the discovery or development of sustainable solutions to one of our ocean’s numerous environmental concerns.
- Christopher Benchley youth award. This award is presented to a young person who has already made a major contribution to marine conservation and public awareness of our ocean.
- Ocean hero. This award honours an individual who demonstrates a remarkable capacity to communicate ocean issues of concern to the general public in ways that inform and/or inspire people to take action.
The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards’ selection process is governed by a distinguished committee of ocean conservation leaders, guaranteeing a fair and rigorous selection process that maintains the awards’ high standards and values.
The selection committee for 2025 includes:
- Wendy Benchley, ocean conservation and policy advocate
- Jasmin Grahm, CEO and co-founder, Minorities in Shark Sciences
- 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, 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
Earlier this year, ACP announced that it is partnering with the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards in a collaboration that highlights the two organisations’ shared commitment to ocean conservation and will enhance the reach and impact of the prestigious awards.
