Beach Trading Blog

In case you missed it, this past Monday – June 8th – was World Oceans Day.

Our friends over at Oceana had a contest for the 2009 Ocean Heroes Award and after much tabulating and vote counting they announced that the winner this year is John Halas of Florida!

Halas, who is a marine biologist and manager of the Upper Region of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary,  developed an environmental anchor and mooring buoy system that spread worldwide to protect corals and other sensitive marine habitats. He will receive a $500 Nautica gift certificate, which was donated by Nautica. And a special bonus prize – a customized message for his answering machine by Oceana Board member Ted Danson. Congratulations, John, and thank you for your long-term dedication to the oceans!

The first runner-up is Bob Schoelkopf! In 1978, Bob helped start a program in Brigantine, NJ that aided stranded marine mammals. That program evolved into the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, which rescues and rehabilitates hundreds of seals, dolphins, sea turtles, and other injured creatures every year. For receiving the second most votes, he will receive an ocean-themed entertainment gift pack valued at $250…Congratulations, Bob!

The second runner-up is Andy DeHart! Andy is a shark expert who currently works at the National Aquarium in Washington, D.C. and is a Discovery Channel “shark advisor.” Andy educates the public on the important role sharks play in the ecosystem and the need to protect them. He will receive an Oceana gift pack valued at $50…Congratulations, Andy!