John John Florence Joins Forces with Ocean Conservancy to Champion Ocean Protection

Surfing Legend John John Florence Teams Up with Ocean Conservancy

John John Florence, a three-time surfing world champion, has joined the Ocean Conservancy’s initiative "Protect Where We Play" as a passionate advocate for ocean conservation. This announcement, made on September 18, 2025, highlights Florence's commitment to one of the earth's most vital resources. Born and raised in Hawaii, he has a long history of advocating for ocean preservation, making him an ideal ambassador for this initiative.

In his statement, Florence expressed his gratitude for being part of Ocean Conservancy’s mission. “The ocean has been my life's greatest gift,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of preserving it for future generations. As part of the initiative, Florence joins other prominent athletes and entertainers, referred to as "Team Ocean Captains," who aim to mobilize their fans and communities to take action in favor of ocean conservation.

"Protect Where We Play" endeavors to harness the influence of sports and entertainment figures to raise global awareness about the ocean's critical role in our lives. The initiative aims to engage millions of people, reflecting a significant push towards mobilizing fans to act on behalf of the environment. As a revered figure in sports, Florence’s involvement brings a powerful narrative that can resonate with fans and inspire them to join the cause.

Alongside talented individuals from various sports, including WNBA star Napheesa Collier and NFL player Kelvin Beachum, Florence is set to amplify the message that the health of our oceans is crucial not just for marine life, but also for humanity's well-being. Ocean Conservancy's Chief Brand and Communications Officer, Jenna DiPaolo, remarked on the integral role surfers have played in conservation efforts, noting that they have often been at the forefront of protecting marine ecosystems.

The ocean's significance cannot be overstated; it produces half of the oxygen we breathe and regulates the climate by absorbing excessive heat. However, it faces threats from pollution, climate change, and habitat loss. Florence's involvement is timely as Ocean Conservancy gears up for its 40th annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), an event that has historically attracted millions of volunteers dedicated to removing trash from coastal areas. Since 1986, the ICC has mobilized nearly 19 million volunteers who have removed over 400 million pounds of waste from beaches and waterways around the world.

In addition to ICC, Ocean Conservancy has partnered with GOAL to launch the Protect Where We Play Tour. This tour focuses on promoting reusable solutions in sports and entertainment venues to decrease the use of single-use plastics. This aligns with Florence’s vision as the initiative seeks to reduce the plastic footprint significantly, aiming to prevent a million disposable cups from entering the waste stream. Tour stops have already included major events featuring famous artists and athletes, making it an encompassing effort to intertwine environmental responsibility with mainstream entertainment.

The energetic collaboration was recognized earlier this month when the initiative was nominated for the "Campaign of the Year" as well as the "Purpose-Led Partnership with a Non-Profit" at the Sport Positive Awards. These accolades celebrate the dedication of individuals and organizations working actively against climate and biodiversity issues.

As the world faces an escalating environmental crisis, high-profile advocates like John John Florence are more crucial than ever. Their involvement in initiatives aimed at protecting our oceans serves to inspire, motivate, and mobilize communities worldwide to join in the fight against pollution and environmental degradation. Florence believes in the power of education and community as he works to inspire not only surfers but fans across the globe to commit to sustainable practices.

To learn more about how to get involved and support the Protect Where We Play initiative, visit Ocean Conservancy’s website. Whether through volunteering for cleanup efforts, promoting sustainability at personal and group events, or simply raising awareness through social media, every action counts in protecting the precious resource that is our ocean.