“Blue is the new Green”: Ocean Defenders to be Recognized at SF Awards Ceremony

San Francisco: As the world mourns the devastating impact of the Gulf Oil Disaster, the Blue Frontier Campaign brings top ocean leaders to San Francisco to spur action for ocean defense. At an awards ceremony named for Jaws author and conservationist Peter Benchley, top ocean explorers, advocates and scientists will be honored for their pioneering efforts to protect this critical resource.

“Too often, people have seen environmental conservation as ending at the shore’s edge,” said David Helvarg, President of the Blue Frontier Campaign. “But as the Gulf disaster shows, we are all dependent on the ocean for protection, security and sustenance. Three years ago, we created the Benchley awards to honor those who have dedicated their lives to ocean defense, and who offer solutions that can still help us turn the tide.”

Philippe Cousteau, grandson of ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, will serve as emcee for the awards ceremony. Wearing a hazmat suit, Philippe recently went diving in the Gulf to document the effects of the oil disaster.

The award winners:

- Cynthia Sarthou, Executive Director of the New Orleans-based Gulf Restoration Network, the frontline environmental group dealing with the spill

- Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in charge of the scientific response to the disaster, and a leading advocate for U.S. ocean policy

- Lifelong explorer Don Walsh, the only person alive who has been to the deepest part of the ocean 50 years ago, aboard the Bathysphere Trieste

- Louis Psihoyos, Director of the 2010 Academy Award-winning film “The Cove,” on Japan’s dolphin killing

- Jesse Ausubel, Director of the Census of Marine Life, a decade-long effort to assess the diversity of life in the oceans

- Kyle Thiermann, a 20 year-old surfer and marine activist based in Santa Cruz

- The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, funding critical work on marine spatial planning

“I am proud to honor these heroes of the seas,” said Wendy Benchley, wife of the late Peter Benchley. “Each individual has made an immense impact in ocean conservation. Together they have the knowledge and resources to create progressive ocean policies. Now is the time to listen.”

Based in Washington, D.C. and Richmond, CA, the Blue Frontier Campaign works to promote unity and raise awareness of the solution-oriented marine conservation community.