Recognizing Global Ocean Leadership

The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards Selection Committee recognized world leaders such as Prince Albert II of Monaco, Former Secretary of State, John Kerry, the Presidents of Senegal and Palau, and numerous other world leaders with the ‘National Stewardship’ Award.

Prince Albert II was among the first to bring focus to the alarming state of Mediterranean blue-fin tuna stocks due to uncontrolled over fishing. He sounded a loud, early warning about the threats posed by warming seas—specifically, ocean acidification and the destruction of coral reefs and marine food webs, which threatens protein supplies and food security for tens of millions.

But, most importantly we celebrated those who were not so well known. These people are the real life blood of progress… scientists, grass roots organizers, youth activists, film makers, environmental writers.

H.S.H. Prince Albert II and the Ambassador of Monaco for the United States, Her Excellency, Maguy Maccario Doyle, at the 2015 Benchley Ocean Awards ceremony, which was held at the Carnegie Institute in Washington, D.C.