José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the Regional Government of the Azores, has been honored with the prestigious Peter Benchley Ocean Award, recognizing his leadership and commitment to ocean conservation, sustainable marine governance, and the protection of Atlantic ecosystems.
Bolieiro is scheduled to formally accept the distinction, often referred to as the “Oscars of the Ocean,” on May 7, 2026, at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, during the annual awards ceremony widely regarded as one of the leading global recognitions in ocean conservation.
The event, held in partnership with the Aquarium Conservation Partnership, celebrates individuals and organizations advancing marine protection and stewardship worldwide.
“This distinction reflects not only a personal honor, but above all the collective commitment of the Azorean people to protect and value the ocean that shapes our identity, economy, and future,” Bolieiro said in a statement. “The sea is our heritage — and safeguarding it is our responsibility to future generations.”
Founded in 2012 and named after author and ocean advocate Peter Benchley, the Peter Benchley Ocean Award recognizes outstanding leadership in ocean exploration, conservation policy, media, science, and environmental stewardship. The program honors individuals and institutions whose work promotes sustainable marine ecosystems and public awareness of ocean protection. Past recipients include scientists, policymakers, conservation organizations, and public figures whose efforts have had measurable global impact on marine sustainability.
Bolieiro received the honor in the Excellence in National Leadership category, highlighting the Azores’ role in advancing sustainable ocean policy and conservation initiatives. Under his leadership, the archipelago has strengthened international cooperation in marine research, climate monitoring, and biodiversity protection, including initiatives tied to the Blue Azores Program and the expansion of marine protected areas.
“The Azores demonstrate how small island regions can lead globally in marine conservation,” Bolieiro remarked. “We will continue to invest in science, cooperation, and responsible management to ensure that our ocean remains a source of life, opportunity, and knowledge.”
José Manuel Bolieiro, 60, a career politician, has served as President of the Regional Government of the Azores since 2020, following a long career in public service, including serving as mayor of Ponta Delgada (2016-2020). Widely associated with policies emphasizing sustainability, economic resilience, and diaspora engagement, his administration has sought to position the Azores as a strategic Atlantic hub for environmental stewardship, scientific cooperation, and transatlantic dialogue.
Carolina Matos/Editor
The Azores (population 250,000) is a region of Portugal composed of nine islands. The archipelago, discovered by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century, became an Autonomous Region of Portugal in 1976. The government of the Autonomous Region of the Azores includes the Legislative Assembly, composed of 57 elected deputies, elected by universal suffrage for a four-year term; the Regional Government and Presidency, with parliamentary legitimacy, composed of a President, a Vice-President and seven Regional Secretaries responsible for the Regional Government’s executive operations. The Autonomous Region of the Azores is represented in the Council of Ministers of the Central Government by a representative appointed by the President of Portugal. According to the latest US census, over 1.3 million individuals of Portuguese descent live in the United States, the majority with roots in the Azores. It is estimated that over 20,000 US citizens live in Portugal.
