Some of TV’s most recognizable actors are donning their wetsuits and fins to help promote ocean conservation.
Oceana, the world’s largest international NGO devoted entirely to cleaning up our oceans, has enlisted the help of board members Ted Danson (Bored to Death) and Sam Waterston (Law & Order,) along with supporters Kate Walsh (Private Practice,) January Jones (Mad Men) and Sam Trammel (True Blood) to help spread the word in a PSA ahead of world Oceans Day on June 8.
“We had a blast putting the spot together, and I hope people get excited about protecting the oceans,” said Danson.
Last year, Oceana launched the Ocean Heroes Award Contest, which pays tribute to everyday Americans who have done their part to care for the oceans. This year, 11 finalists for the adult and junior Ocean Heroes Award were chosen from 400 nominations. Starting today, the public will be able to cast their vote to decide the winners.
The finalists include a mental health professional who helps inner city youths become certified scuba divers, a group of students who call themselves “Shark Finatics” and raise money and awareness for sharks and one of the first volunteers to help wildlife affected by the historic Exxon Valdez oil spill.
You can weigh in by going to Oceana.org/heroes, where you can watch the PSA, vote for your favorite Ocean Hero and make the Ocean Hero Pledge. An anonymous Oceana donor will match each pledge up to $100,000. You can also read about everyday actions that can help preserve the oceans.
The Junior and Adult Ocean Heroes Award winners will each receive a $200 gift card and Raiatea binoculars from West Marine and a $500 gift card from Nautica.
Voting is open until May 26 and the winners will be honored at a World Oceans Day Party hosted by Nautica and GQ on June 8 in Los Angeles.
Photos courtesy of Oceana.