Jon Frank, Oceana

As an Online Fundraising Fellow for Oceana, Jon Frank is passionate about the organization’s mission to protect and restore the world’s oceans.

Based in: Washington, DC, USA

My earliest memories of the ocean are from a summer visit to my grandmother’s home in New Jersey.  I don’t recall how young I was, only that I was infatuated with Batman and scared to go into the water because of “Jaws.”  The hot sand scorched my feet, so I spent most of my time at the edge of the beach, letting the cool Atlantic waves work their soothing magic.

Since then, I’ve developed a love for snorkeling, parasailing, boating, fishing and swimming.  I’d probably still be afraid of sharks, if it wasn’t for organizations like Oceana opening my eyes.

I’d always been able to appreciate the oceans as a valuable resource that needs protection, but I was amazed to learn that of all environmental giving, the oceans receive only one-half-of-one percent despite the fact that seventy percent of the planet is covered by oceans.

It’s a jaw-dropping statistic that helps me stay focused on my job and reinvigorates my efforts when they are waning.  That and the sea turtles, you’ve got to love the sea turtles.

Learn more about Oceana and sign up to become a Wavemaker at http://takeaction.oceana.org

Nautica has contributed to Oceana to support its mission to protect the world’s oceans.