Photo: Barbara.Doduk / CC BY 2.0

by Beata L. Santora

It's no secret that quite a few celebs use their fame for more than just freebies and self-important tantrums (take note, Naomi Campbell). Today we highlight two actors who are working on behalf of the endangered species of our oceans.

Actress Kate Walsh recently traveled to St. Croix's Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge to film a PSA for Oceana about the threat of extinction for sea turtles. It turns out that all six species of turtles who call the US home are in danger of extinction. And since they're a crucial aspect of the ecosystem (not to mention incredible creatures who've lived in our seas for 100+ million years), letting them disappear is not an option. Check out Oceana's Web site to virtually adopt a turtle for as little as $35 and help Kate Get Sea Turtles Off the Hook. 

Sea turtles are too herbivorous and cuddly for actor Paul Walker, who was a marine biologist before he got Fast and Furious. His animal of choice is a little grizzlier. Ok, a lot grizzlier. He joined National Geographic on an expedition to personally greet great white sharks. And not just greet. The goal is to actually catch one, lift it onto the boat, tag it, collect DNA samples, and release it unharmed. Oh yeah, and not get eaten. All for the sake of uncovering the secrets of these incredibly misunderstood carnivores. Do they manage it? Check out National Geographic's Expedition Great White on November 16.

Further reading:
* Christina Aguliera, Bob Dylan, Kenna: Celebrity World Savers
* Boldface: Celebrity travels