Oceana Launches Star-Studded PSA: “Take the Pledge for the Oceans, Be an Ocean Hero”
Press Release Date: April 29, 2010
Location: Washington, DC
Contact:
Anna Baxter | email: abaxter@oceana.org
Anna Baxter
Today, Oceana is launching a public service announcement (PSA) that urges viewers to take an online pledge to protect the oceans, saying: “The oceans need your help. Take the pledge. Be an Ocean Hero.” For each pledge, an anonymous donor will donate $1 to Oceana.
The spot features an all-star cast of celebrity ocean advocates including Oceana board members Ted Danson and Sam Waterston, as well as fellow Oceana supporters Kate Walsh, January Jones, Anna Torv and Sam Trammel.
The celebrities join 2009 Ocean Heroes Award finalist Casey Sokolovic and 2009 Ocean Heroes Award winner John Halas in the spot.
“You don’t need fins, a snorkel or a mask to be an ocean hero. Anyone can make a difference – that’s the message of our campaign,” said Danson. “We had a blast putting the spot together, and I hope people get excited about protecting the oceans.”
Oceana’s Be an Ocean Hero PSA directs viewers to Oceana.org/heroes where visitors can sign a pledge and learn everyday actions they can take to help protect the oceans. Oceana’s anonymous donor will match each pledge up to $100,000.
The PSA and pledge launch with the voting for Oceana’s 2010 Ocean Hero Award. Eleven finalists were selected by a panel of Oceana experts from over 300 nominations. The public votes for the adult and junior (under 18) 2010 Ocean Heroes Award winners at Oceana.org.
“Oceana’s Ocean Hero finalists are everyday people who are making a big difference for the oceans on a local or international level. They are taking actions that most everyone can do themselves or be inspired by,” said Andrew Sharpless. “But we want people to know that they can be an Ocean Hero also by simply taking the pledge on our website and helping us win more campaign victories.”
The finalists come from diverse backgrounds. They 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. Their full stories and photos are available at Oceana.org/heroes/vote.
Oceana’s 2010 Ocean Heroes Campaign receives support from Nautica, GQ’s Gentlemen’s Fund and West Marine. The official media partner, Planet Green, will air Oceana’s Be an Ocean Hero PSA and promote Oceana’s online pledge, donation drive and Ocean Hero finalists’ stories through its online platforms Treehugger.com and PlanetGreen.com.
“Planet Green is thrilled to team up with Oceana to highlight the efforts and passions of true ocean heroes,” said Laura Michalchyshyn, President and General Manager, Planet Green and TreeHugger.com. “The spirit of the Ocean Heroes Award and pledge mirrors the desire of our viewers to make a difference in their world, and we are proud to serve as a conduit to help spread the word.”
Online voting for the 2010 Ocean Heroes Award will be open through May 26. The Junior and Adult Ocean Heroes Award winners will each receive a $200 gift card and Raiatea binoculars from West Marine, a $500 gift card from Nautica, and a trip to World Oceans Day with Nautica and GQ in Los Angeles on June 8. All other Ocean Heroes Award finalists will each receive a $50 gift card and Huahine binoculars from West Marine and a $100 gift card from Nautica. To view Be an Ocean Hero, take Oceana’s pledge and vote for Ocean Hero finalists, visit oceana.org/heroes.
###
Oceana
Oceana campaigns to protect and restore the world’s oceans. Its teams of marine scientists, economists, lawyers and advocates win specific and concrete policy changes to reduce pollution and to prevent the irreversible collapse of fish populations, marine mammals and other sea life. Global in scope and dedicated to conservation, Oceana has campaigners based in North America, South and Central America and Europe. More than 300,000 members and e-activists in over 150 countries have already joined Oceana.
Nautica
Founded in 1983, Nautica® is a leading global lifestyle brand ranging from men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and accessories to a complete home collection. Nautica® products are refined casual classics inspired and energized by the water that are always crisp, clean and distinct. Today Nautica® is available in more than 60 countries with more than 200 Nautica® branded stores worldwide. Nautica® has contributed to Oceana to support its mission to save the world’s oceans. For more information about Nautica visit, www.Nautica.com.
GQ’s Gentlemen Fund
The Gentlemen’s Fund® initiative raises awareness for issues that are essential to modern men. GQ encourages men to become agents of change by supporting charities that champion these causes. GQ, Nautica and Adrian Grenier are supporting Oceana’s efforts to help prevent further pollution and the endangerment of aquatic life. More information about GQ Gentlemen’s fund can be found at: http://thegentlemensfund.com/
Planet Green
Planet Green is the multiplatform media destination for people looking for something new. Launched on June 4, 2008, Planet Green is following the evolving conversation about sustainability and is the entertainment brand that champions the visionaries who move our world forward in small and large ways. Planet Green and its two robust Web sites, planetgreen.com and TreeHugger.com, offer unique, insightful and inspiring content related to how we can evolve to live a better, brighter future. Planet Green’s original programming, digital tools and content will entertain, educate and activate. For more information visit www.PlanetGreen.com
West Marine
West Marine is the largest specialty retailer of boating supplies and accessories, with over 50,000 products and more than 330 stores located in 38 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, and Turkey. West Marine’s vision is to operate in accordance with established principles of sustainability, reducing their impact on the environment and contributing to the communities where they serve. Visit www.Westmarine.com to learn more.
