The United Nations only recently designated yesterday, June 8, as World Oceans Day, the official day to pay attention to our Earth’s watery portion. And considering that oceans cover 70 percent of the planet, substantial attention was in order.
Oceana, the world’s biggest international organization dedicated entirely to ocean conservation, marked the occasion with an Ocean Hero Contest. Visitors to Oceana’s website were invited to vote on which of the eight inspiring ocean conservationists should be awarded with a $500 Nautica gift certificate.
Considering I’m a sucker for awesome kids who work to save the world, my money was on Casey Sokolovic, an 11-year-old who started a sea turtle conservation campaign four years ago and has since raised $3,000 for a sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation center in part by selling sugar cookies shaped like sea turtles.
No dice, though, for my pick. And just as well: The winner was another deserving conservationist, John Halas, a marine biologist who manages the Upper Region of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. His passion for corals has led him around the world; he has traveled to 38 countries to install special mooring systems that keep boats from damaging fragile coral reefs.
So John Halas walks away with the $500 gift certificate, and our oceans are duly appreciated. But, wait, that’s not all. The winner also gets the voice of Oceana Board member Ted Danson on his answering machine. With that kind of prize, everybody will know your name.
