EarthEcho International Welcomes the 2026 Cohort of U.S. Ocean Protection Ambassadors

Washington, DC (May 29, 2026) - EarthEcho International today announced the 2026 cohort of its U.S. Ocean Protection Ambassadors. Co-founded by Philippe Cousteau, Jr., EarthEcho is a global nonprofit dedicated to inspiring and mobilizing young people to protect and restore our ocean planet. Through the U.S. Ocean Protection Ambassador Program, six exceptional youth leaders will lead innovative, community-driven campaigns in support of marine protected areas across the country.

Through grassroots organizing, public engagement, and direct advocacy with decision-makers, Ambassadors develop the skills and experience to drive impactful ocean protection efforts in their communities and beyond. The program reflects EarthEcho’s commitment to advancing the global 30x30 initiative - protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030 - while strengthening a new generation of leaders driving long-term ocean action.

“Advancing ambitious ocean protection depends on young leaders who are willing to organize, advocate, and bring their communities together,” said Rosemary Trent, executive director of EarthEcho International. “This year’s U.S. Ocean Protection Ambassadors unite an inspiring group of young changemakers working to strengthen marine protected areas, elevate community voices, and help build a healthier future for our ocean planet.”

The U.S. Ocean Protection Ambassador Program is made possible through the generous support of the Packard Foundation, with additional programmatic guidance from the National Ocean Protection Coalition and regional partners including the Conservation Law Foundation, NRDC, the Papahānaumokuākea Coalition, the Pacific Islands Heritage Coalition, and the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Meet the 2026 EarthEcho U.S. Ocean Protection Cohort:

  • Angelica Wong, New York 
  • Ghaydah Salave’a, American Samoa
  • Lucille Komar, Massachusetts
  • Reg Macarro, California
  • Shamon Starkey, South Carolina
  • Willow Wrighten, South Carolina

For more information, visit https://earthecho.org/ocean-protection-ambassadors and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.

Six Ocean Protection Ambassadors are featured in an undersea photo of coral and deep blue waters.

For information about EarthEcho International, please visit www.earthecho.org.

Media Contact, EarthEcho International: Carrie Albright, calbright@earthecho.org

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