Monterey, CA, January 27, 2026 - The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ today announced the recipients of the 2026 Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations whose work is advancing ocean conservation through leadership, research, policy, innovation, and public engagement. Here are the notable 2026 winners:

• Ocean Hero Award, Julie Packard, Founding Executive Director of Monterey Bay Aquarium

• Excellence in National Leadership, President José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the Regional Government of the Azores

• Excellence in Policy, U.S. Representative Jared Huffman, California 2nd Congressional District

• Excellence in Science and Exploration, Dr. Diva Amon, Marine Biologist, Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory, University of California Santa Barbara and Director, SpeSeas 

• Excellence in Sustainable Business Solutions, Bureo, Inc. 

• Excellence in Media, Ocean with David Attenborough

• Excellence in Action, Marcela Gutiérrez-Graudiņš, Founder and Executive Director of Azul

• Christopher Benchley Youth Award, Cojitha Senananyake, Founder of Project Cee Green

Widely regarded as the "Academy Awards for the Ocean," the annual Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ is the world's preeminent ocean conservation honors. The Awards were co-founded by Wendy Benchley and David Helvarg, and are named in honor of Peter Benchley, author of Jaws and a lifelong shark and ocean advocate. The Benchley Awards recognize and celebrate the work and dedication of individuals and organizations committed to ocean conservation. 

“The 2026 Peter Benchley Ocean Awards honorees remind us that the future of the ocean is being written right now—by people who refuse to accept decline as inevitable,” said Wendy Benchley, co-founder of the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards. “Each of these leaders, in their own way, is translating knowledge into action and vision into measurable progress. At a moment when the ocean needs leadership across every sector, these honorees offer reason for confidence and hope.”

“From a teenager leading beach clean-ups in Sri Lanka to a world-famous centenarian and his ocean documentary, the 2026 honorees reflect a recognition that in protecting the ocean we are also ensuring our own future,” notes Awards co-founder and Blue Frontier Executive Director David Helvarg.  “While monumental challenges still confront us, we’re inspired by these outstanding winners who understand that, in the words of author Isak Dinesen, ‘The Cure for anything is salt water – sweat, tears or the sea.’”

The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards returned in 2025 in partnership with the Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP), establishing a renewed tradition of recognizing ocean excellence. This year’s ceremony will be held on May 7 at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and marks the 10th anniversary of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership, celebrating a decade of collaborative conservation impact. 

“I’m truly grateful for this honor,” said  Julie Packard, Executive Director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. “It reflects the tremendous work, over the course of decades, of the dedicated team at Monterey Bay Aquarium. We share a vision of a world where the ocean and people thrive together, in a just and equitable world. Working together, and with so many talented colleagues around the globe, I’m confident we can make that vision a reality.”

“This milestone speaks to the collective power of our coalition,” said Kim McIntyre, Executive Director of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership. “ACP has united aquariums and zoos as leaders in ocean conservation by elevating advocacy, advancing equitable and science-based policy, embedding sustainability into business practices, and inspiring people to take action for the ocean. Celebrating our 10th anniversary alongside the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards underscores what’s possible when we work together for the future of our ocean. We are also very appreciative of all of our sponsors, including Seiko and SSA Group, who make this event possible.” 

Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and event donations are available at event.gives/pboa2026. 

About the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™

The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ are celebrated annually and recognize individuals and organizations whose work is advancing ocean conservation through leadership, innovation, and measurable impact. Co-founded by Wendy Benchley and David Helvarg, the Awards are named in honor of Peter Benchley, author of Jaws and a lifelong advocate for sharks and ocean protection. The Benchley Awards honor excellence across science, policy, media, business, and grassroots action—highlighting solutions and leadership that strengthen ocean health and inspire progress worldwide. More information at PeterBenchleyOceanAwards.org. 

About the Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP)

The Aquarium Conservation Partnership is a coalition of aquariums working together to increase our conservation impact. Collectively, our 35 members in 23 states welcome over 40 million visitors a year. ACP members advocate for policy change, advance federal and state conservation policies, mobilize audiences to take action, and demonstrate our commitment to conservation in our business practices. More information at AquariumConservation.org. 

About Monterey Bay Aquarium

With a mission to inspire conservation of the ocean, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is the most admired aquarium in the United States, a leader in science education, and a voice for ocean conservation through comprehensive programs in marine science and public policy. Everything we do works in concert to protect the future of our blue planet. More information at MontereyBayAquarium.org.