Seiko Dives Deep for Ocean Conservation at Benchley Awards

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, N.J. – May 28, 2026 – Amid the stunning backdrop of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a nexus of science, policy, and passion converged on May 7 for the 2026 Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™. For the second consecutive year, watchmaker Seiko Prospex served as a key sponsor, underscoring a commitment to marine preservation that runs as deep as the heritage of its iconic diver's watches. The event, often hailed as the "Academy Awards of the Ocean," honored eight remarkable leaders whose work is creating a groundswell of progress for the planet's most vital ecosystem.

Hosted by co-founder Wendy Benchley, the ceremony celebrated the ongoing legacy of her late husband, Peter Benchley. The awards not only recognize achievement but also foster a unique cross-disciplinary collaboration, uniting the very people capable of turning the tide for our oceans.

A Legacy of Advocacy

The name Peter Benchley is indelibly linked with Jaws, the 1974 novel and subsequent blockbuster film that tapped into a primal fear of the deep. Yet, the author's own story is one of profound transformation. In the decades following his novel's success, Benchley became one of the world's most dedicated and outspoken marine conservationists, expressing regret for the fear-driven narrative he had created. He dedicated the final chapter of his life to dispelling myths about sharks and advocating for their protection, famously noting that he could never write the same book again with the knowledge he later acquired.

It is this spirit of enlightened advocacy that the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards champions. Co-founded by Wendy Benchley and David Helvarg of the Blue Frontier Campaign, the awards were established to honor Peter's later-life mission. They seek out and elevate the solution-oriented leaders—the scientists, policymakers, activists, and storytellers—who are forging a new, more sustainable relationship with the marine world. Each honoree received not only the prestigious award but also a Seiko Prospex 1968 Heritage Diver’s GMT SPB519, a timepiece symbolizing the shared commitment to exploring and protecting the blue planet.

Champions of the Blue Planet

The 2026 roster of awardees represents a powerful spectrum of influence and action. The coveted Ocean Hero Award was presented to Julie Packard, the visionary founder and executive director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Her decades of leadership have transformed the institution into a global powerhouse for conservation, science-based policy, and public education.

In the realm of media, the legendary Sir David Attenborough received the Award for Excellence in Media for Ocean with David Attenborough. His unparalleled ability to connect global audiences to the wonders and fragility of the natural world has made him an indispensable voice for conservation. The Excellence in Science and Exploration award went to Dr. Diva Amon, a deep-sea marine biologist whose work illuminates the astonoshing biodiversity of Earth's least-known habitats. Dr. Amon, founder of the non-profit SpeSeas, is a passionate advocate for equitable access to marine science and for protecting the deep ocean—our planet's "biggest ally" against climate change—from the encroaching threats of human activity.

Other distinguished honorees included:
* President José Manuel Bolieiro of the Azores, for Excellence in National Leadership.
* Congressman Jared Huffman, for his tireless work in Washington D.C. on the Committee on Natural Resources, earning him the Excellence in Policy award.
* Buero, Inc., recognized for Excellence in Sustainable Business Solutions for their innovative work turning recycled fishing nets into high-quality products.
* Marcela Gutiérrez-Graudiņš, founder of the Latin-led activist network Azul, for Excellence in Action.
* Teen environmental advocate and author Cojitha "Coji" Senananyake, who received the Christopher Benchley Youth Award for his inspiring work.

A Heritage Forged in the Deep

For Seiko, the partnership with the Benchley Awards is more than a sponsorship; it is an extension of a brand identity forged over six decades. The company's connection to the ocean began in 1965 with the introduction of its first diver's watch. This timepiece quickly earned a reputation for reliability under extreme conditions, becoming the watch of choice for adventurers and professionals, including members of the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition from 1966 to 1969.

This heritage continues today through the Seiko Prospex "Save the Ocean" initiative. Far from being a mere marketing slogan, the program represents a concrete, multi-pronged effort to support marine conservation. A cornerstone of this initiative is a global partnership with the PADI AWARE Foundation. A portion of proceeds from the "Save the Ocean" watch collection directly funds the foundation's Marine Debris Program, the world's largest underwater citizen science and clean-up movement. This collaboration empowers over 70,000 divers to remove debris and contribute vital data on seafloor pollution.

In the United States, a long-term partnership with the Oceanic Society focuses on sea turtle conservation. Sales from U.S.-exclusive Prospex models have supported global sea turtle research and funded local conservation grants, contributing to the removal of over 170,000 pounds of trash from coastal habitats.

The Rising Tide of Corporate Stewardship

Seiko's activities are part of a larger, encouraging trend within the luxury watch industry. Brands whose histories are intertwined with the sea, from Rolex with its "Perpetual Planet" initiative to Blancpain's "Ocean Commitment," are increasingly leveraging their platforms to drive environmental change. This movement reflects a growing consumer demand for purpose-driven brands and an acknowledgment by the industry that its legacy is tied to the health of the ecosystems that inspired its most iconic products.

These corporate-non-profit partnerships create a powerful symbiosis. Conservation efforts receive crucial funding and a broader public platform, while brands reinforce their identity and connect with a new generation of environmentally conscious consumers. By sponsoring the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, Seiko is not only supporting today's ocean heroes but also investing in the narrative of conservation itself. It demonstrates a belief that protecting the oceans requires a collective effort, uniting the courage of explorers, the wisdom of scientists, the influence of policymakers, and the commitment of visionary partners. By celebrating these diverse leaders, the awards not only honor past achievements but also inspire a new wave of collaborative action essential for the future health of our shared blue planet.