News Summary
The SeaChange Summer Party, hosted by Oceana in Laguna Beach, successfully raised over $1.7 million to support ocean conservation efforts. Attended by 335 guests, the event highlighted Oceana’s achievements in protecting marine life, with notable contributions from organizations and individuals dedicated to ocean advocacy. The evening featured a performance by a GRAMMY Award-winning artist and honored influential supporters of marine conservation.
Laguna Beach, California – Oceana’s 18th Annual SeaChange Summer Party raised over $1.7 million on Saturday, July 26, 2025, to support ocean conservation efforts both in California and globally. The event was hosted at the Montage Laguna Beach, drawing an attendance of 335 guests committed to marine protection. This significant philanthropic effort underscores Oceana’s ongoing campaigns aimed at rebuilding ocean abundance and safeguarding marine life.
Award-winning actor and Oceana Board Member Sam Waterston served as the host of the event, which highlighted Oceana’s over 20 years of commitment to ocean advocacy, marking more than 325 victories in conservation initiatives. Underlining the critical role of champions for the oceans, co-chair Elizabeth Wahler affirmed the strategic and effective approach Oceana employs in its efforts.
Oceana’s CEO, Jim Simon, reported on impressive accomplishments in ocean conservation during the event, such as securing protections for over 1.4 million square miles of seafloor from harmful bottom trawling techniques and eliminating deadly drift gillnets used for swordfish harvesting off the coast of California. These victories are part of Oceana’s larger mission to preserve marine ecosystems and ensure sustainable seafood resources for future generations.
The event also honored Barbara and Greg MacGillivray, recognized for their contributions as acclaimed scientific documentarians and longstanding supporters of the SeaChange initiative. The evening was further enlivened by a performance from GRAMMY Award-winning artist Charles Kelley, who entertained guests with hits including “Can’t Lose You,” “Need You Now,” and “Run To You.” His participation added a celebratory atmosphere to a night focused on serious charitable efforts.
In addition to the primary fundraising activities, a portion of the proceeds will benefit local ocean conservation organizations and fire relief efforts in Los Angeles, including the organization Heal the Bay. This aspect of the fundraising highlights Oceana’s commitment not only to marine health but also to the broader community affected by environmental challenges.
Numerous distinguished local and international businesses partnered with Oceana for the event. Notably, Biossance served as the Presenting Partner, having contributed over $850,000 to Oceana since 2019. Other sponsors included reputable brands such as Southern California BMW Centers, Northern Trust, and CHANEL, among others, indicating a strong network of support from the corporate sector for ocean conservation.
As the largest organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation, Oceana actively targets key threats to marine environments, including overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the protection of endangered species. The organization’s goals are ambitious, highlighting a vision where over one billion people can securely enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever.
In summary, the SeaChange Summer Party was not just a gathering of supporters; it was a pivotal fundraising event that reinforced the importance of collaboration and action towards ocean preservation. By raising vital funds and raising awareness, Oceana continues its mission to restore our oceans for generations to come.
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Additional Resources
- GlobeNewswire: Orange County Advocates Raise Over $1.7 Million for Ocean Conservation
- LA Times: Daily Pilot E-Newspaper – May 24, 2025
- Laguna Beach Indy: Wyland Restores Famous 200-Foot Whaling Wall Mural
- North Coast Current: Oceanside Certified as Blue City for Environmental Efforts
- LA Times: Sonny Behan’s Beneath the Waves Advocates for Ocean Conservation
- Wikipedia: Ocean Conservation
- Google Search: Ocean Conservation News
- Google Scholar: Ocean Conservation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ocean Conservation
- Google News: Ocean Conservation
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA
The Costa Mesa Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, performances at the Pacific Amphitheatre, and community gatherings at The LAB Anti-Mall. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Visit Costa Mesa, plus leading businesses in retail, entertainment, and innovation that shape the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
