Nominations For the 2026 Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ Are Now Open
Washington, D.C., October 23rd, 2025—Nominations for the prestigious Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ are now open through December 3rd, 2025, recognizing the next wave of ocean champions. The 2026 Awards will be held next spring at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, aligning with the 10th anniversary of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership, a milestone celebrating a decade of collective conservation impact.
The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ made a long-awaited return last May in collaboration with the Aquarium Conservation Partnership, reestablishing a tradition of recognizing ocean excellence and honoring the legacy of Peter Benchley—a lifelong advocate for sharks and ocean preservation and the acclaimed author of Jaws. Hosted at the National Aquarium, the 2025 Awards brought together more than 300 ocean leaders, advocates, and innovators to acknowledge and celebrate the work and dedication of individuals making an impact for our ocean, ecosystems, wildlife, and climate.
Excellence in National Leadership - Awarded to the representative of a nation that has made an exceptional contribution to the conservation, restoration, and appreciation of our global ocean.
Excellence in Policy—Awarded to an individual who contributes to advancing the cause of sustainable ocean use and conservation based on the best available science and through the establishment of effective and enforceable laws and regulations.
Excellence in Action—Awarded to a marine grassroots organization, team or individual that has made a major and long-term commitment to improving the quality of our oceans and the communities that depend on them.
Excellence in Science and Exploration—Awarded to an individual or organization that contributes to our understanding of the ocean through cutting-edge marine science and/or bold exploration and courageous efforts to uncover new and different aspects of our ocean planet.
Excellence in Media - Awarded to an individual or media outlet that showcases an exceptional ability in communicating ocean issues of concern to the public in ways that inform and/or inspire people to act as engaged citizens.
Excellence in Sustainable Business Solutions - Awarded to a business that helps find or create sustainable solutions to one of the many environmental challenges confronting our ocean.
Christopher Benchley Youth Award - Awarded to a young person who, early in life, has already made a significant contribution to marine conservation and public education about our ocean.
Ocean Hero—Awarded to an individual who shows exceptional ability in communicating ocean issues of concern to the public in ways that inform and/or inspire people to act.
Past honorees can be found here.
The selection process for the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ is overseen by a respected committee of ocean conservation leaders, ensuring a fair and rigorous selection process that upholds the high standards and values of the awards. The 2026 Selection Committee includes:
Wendy Benchley – Ocean Conservation and Policy Advocate
Jasmin Graham - 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, Aquarium Conservation Partnership
John Racanelli – CEO, National Aquarium
Sean Russell – Director of Youth Engagement, EarthEcho International
Vikki Spruill – CEO, New England Aquarium
‘Aulani Wilhelm - CEO, Nia Tero
About the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™
The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards were co-founded by Wendy Benchley and David Helvarg and named in honor of Peter Benchley, author of Jaws and lifelong shark and ocean advocate. The Benchley Awards recognize and celebrate the work and dedication of individuals committed to ocean conservation excellence.
https://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.
Our mission is to safeguard ocean and freshwater ecosystems by aligning and supporting the conservation efforts of aquariums for greater collective and individual impact.
https://www.aquariumconservation.org/
Media Contact:
Bianca Santos
732-832-1021