Oceana has launched a brand new star-studded 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, click here.
