In November of 2018, the Monterey Bay Aquarium recognized the Gonzales Youth Council as "Ocean Heroes" for their local "No Straw November" plastics pollution community awareness campaign. The campaign asked Gonzales restaurant owners to raise awareness about single-use disposable plastics by only offering straws to customers upon request. Promotional materials were provided for restaurant tables in English and Spanish. The campaign was promoted to the community through the community's KICK community information kiosks, on social media, and in a weekly community email subscription service.

Recognition for the work of Ocean Heroes is being promoted throughout Monterey County on municipal buses and through various digital and print advertisement platforms.  

Click on the link provided to learn more about this Gonzales Youth Council campaign and the work being done by the groups and individuals recognized by the Monterey Bay Aquarium and its Ocean Heroes Program.