The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards

The 2025 Peter Benchley Ocean Awards marked a bold new chapter for one of the world’s most prestigious celebrations of ocean conservation. Held at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD—and timed to the 50th anniversary of Jaws—the event honored the enduring legacy of Peter Benchley while celebrating today's most influential ocean advocates.

More than 300 leaders from science, policy, business, and storytelling gathered to recognize this year’s honorees: actor and activist Jason Momoa (Ocean Hero), SC Johnson CEO Dr. Fisk Johnson (Sustainable Business Solutions), and Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality (Policy). Led by our team, programming included heartfelt tributes and powerful calls to action by advocates, including Sylvia Earle. The evening emphasized bringing together diverse voices to protect our ocean future.

Our team collaborated with Wendy Benchley and the Aquarium Conservation Partnership, ensuring the event served as a rallying point for the global ocean community—spotlighting urgent issues, elevating impactful solutions, and fostering cross-sector collaboration.