Miami Marine Biologists Could Win PETA’s ‘Sexiest Vegan Next Door’ Contest

Sea Life–Saving Duo Says Plant-Based Grub Is Key to Sustainability

For Immediate Release:
June 1, 2016

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

It’s time for PETA to name this year’s Sexiest Vegan Next Door—and both members of a Miami couple are vying for top honors. Twenty-five-year-old Liz Mourar Jones and 24-year-old Matt James St. Clair beat out scores of entrants from across the U.S. to advance to the final round of 10 female and 10 male contestants. Visitors to PETA.org can now help PETA select the two lucky winners—one woman and one man—who will each receive a free vacation for two to Maui, Hawaii, courtesy of Humane Travel.

“Nothing gets hearts racing like someone who’s healthy, fit, energetic, and passionate about helping others, and that description fits vegans to a T,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “All the sexy vegans in PETA’s contest are already winners because they’re saving animals one delicious plant-based meal at a time.”

Liz is a marine biologist who has rescued sharks accidentally caught by fishers, including one who nearly died as tourists snapped photos. The passionate animal advocate volunteers at shelter adoption events and is an active member of local conservation groups that aim to protect the environment and endangered species. Together, she and Matt have fought for the release of Lolita, an orca who has been imprisoned for over 30 years as a Miami Seaquarium attraction.

Matt works at the National Park Service on lobster-protection protocols and holds a master’s degree in tropical marine management. He is involved in environmental preservation—including working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Geological Survey—and believes that vegan meals are essential “to keep this planet alive.” Matt and Liz are both certified scuba divers, and the couple enjoys water sports, traveling, and spending time with their four rescued cats.

Voting for the finalists to help PETA determine whom it should select as the winners ends at 12 noon EDT on June 7. PETA will select the winners based on several factors, including vote count. See the full contest details here. Winners will be notified and announced by June 14.

For more information and to cast your vote, please click here.