Ocean Conservation Heroes Named as Finalists for Annual Go Blue Awards
Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s awards recognize influencers making strides in conservation
September 24, 2014 – Juno Beach, FL – “It is folly that we can destroy one species and ecosystem after another and not affect humanity. When we save species, we’re actually saving ourselves,” said National Geographic photographer, Joel Sartore, on the importance of conservation.
The 2015 Go Blue Awards Luncheon, Palm Beach County’s most preeminent ocean conservation awards ceremony, was created to recognize individuals, non-profits and businesses that support Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s (LMC) mission to promote conservation. On Monday, September 21, a conservation-minded crowd gathered at PGA National Resort & Spa for the announcement of the 2015 award finalists. These women, men, businesses, and young people are all working together towards a healthier planet. They are the forces behind why the oceans remain blue and marine life stays healthy.
A panel of esteemed judges selected finalists in five categories from countless nominations. Winners in each category will be revealed at the Seventh Annual Go Blue Awards Luncheon on November 6 at PGA National Resort & Spa, featuring world-renowned National Geographic photographer, Joel Sartore, as keynote speaker. WPTV News Channel 5 Meteorologist Glenn Glazer will once again emcee the event.
The Eleanor Fletcher Award, named for the founder of Loggerhead Marinelife Center, recognizes an individual who has exemplified a lifelong, extraordinary commitment to ocean conservation education through their work or volunteer activities. Finalists for the award include Dr. Sylvia Earle, National Geographic and Mission Blue; Blair Mase, NOAA; and Dr. Terry Norton, Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
The Blue Ambassador of the Year Award recognizes a person who has made significant contributions in ocean conservation in south Florida through volunteer related activities. Award finalists include Steve Burton, Florida Atlantic University, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute; Hannah Medd, American Shark Conservancy; and Tracy Siani, Citizen Scientist.
The Blue Friend of the Year Award recognizes a person who has made significant contributions in ocean conservation through work-related activities. Award finalists include Katelyn Cucinotta, Sea to Shore Alliance; Elizabeth Eubanks, Palm Beach Maritime Academy; Blair Mase, NOAA; Hannah Medd, American Shark Conservancy; Jon A. Moore, Florida Atlantic University Wilkes Honors College; Nikole Ordway, Force-E Divers; Lazaro Ruda, The Living Sea; and Julie Walters, Discovery Cove Orlando.
The Blue Hatchling Youth Award recognizes a person under age 17 who has made significant contributions in marine conservation through volunteer related activities. Award finalists include Sophie Allen; Super Science Sharks (Ellie Bickel, Ella Chait, Winni Fox, Joix Gelman, Annika Karbstein and Addie Vining); and Lilly and Trent Tougas.
The Blue Business of the Year Award recognizes a business that has made outstanding contributions toward promoting and encouraging conservation, restoration, or preservation of marine life and/or marine ecosystems through their business practices, products or technology. Finalists for the award include GoPro, Marriott Oceana Palms, and The Breakers – Palm Beach.
This year’s luncheon keynote speaker is Joel Sartore. Joel is a photographer, speaker, author, teacher and 20-year contributor to National Geographic magazine. He specializes in documenting endangered species and landscapes in order to showcase a world worth saving. Joel is also the founder of Photo Ark (www.photoark.com), a multi-year documentary project designed to save species and habitats. In addition to the work he has done for National Geographic, Joel has contributed to Audubon Magazine, Geo, Sports Illustrated, The New York Times and numerous book projects. Joel and his work have been the subjects of several national broadcasts including National Geographic’s Explorer, the NBC Nightly News, NPR’s Weekend Edition and an hour-long PBS documentary, At Close Range.
The panel of judges that selected this year’s finalists includes Gary Adkison – U.S. Shark Foundation, Director; Fabien Cousteau – aquanaut, oceanographic explorer, conservationist and documentary filmmaker; Jim Harvey – Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Former Co-Chairman; Greg Marshall– National Geographic Society, Inventor & Scientist; Sally Murray – Daughter of LMC Founder, Eleanor Fletcher; Susan Murray – Oceana Deputy Vice President U.S. Pacific, Granddaughter of LMC Founder, Eleanor Fletcher; Jim Toomey, Mission Blue Executive Director, Creator of Sherman’s Lagoon Comic Strip; and Dr. Edie Widder – Ocean Research & Conservation Association, President/CEO & Senior Scientist.
Sponsors of the Go Blue Awards Luncheon include Ann Miller, Barbara Savastano, Beth Neuhoff, Bob Chlebek, Bruce Beal, Dr. Jack Lighton, Florida Weekly, Florida Power & Light, Gretchen Scott, Gunster, Interiors by G, Jupiter Magazine, Leanna Landsmann, Loggerhead Marina, Pete & Lynne Wells, PGA National Resort & Spa, PNC Bank, Ross & Susan Johnson, Sam Forrest, The Capital Grille, The Gardens Mall, Tire Kingdom, and Whole Foods Market.
Last year’s Go Blue Award recipients include Dr. Jeanette Wyneken, Florida Atlantic University; Laura Eldredge, Marine Rescue Animal Society; Captain Rich Brochu, Florida Fishing Academy; Christian, Derek, and Landon Petrisko, Wild Over Wildlife; and Worth Avenue Association.
Tickets are almost sold out! To purchase tickets to the Seventh Annual Go Blue Awards Luncheon, or to learn more about sponsoring the luncheon, visitmarinelife.org/bluefriends.
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About Loggerhead Marinelife Center:
Unique among nonprofits, Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a totally free (no charge) cultural facility in Juno Beach, Florida. LMC relies on the generosity of guests, volunteers, and supporters to power their mission of ocean and sea turtle conservation. LMC’s 30-year history is one of community, family, and fun. LMC’s beachside campus is home to one of the world’s most advanced sea turtle hospitals and research laboratories. The center also operates the iconic Juno Beach Pier. For more information about Loggerhead Marinelife Center, visit the facility online at marinelife.org.