The Ocean Awards 2026

This award recognises the individual or (grassroots/community-based/local) group that has had the most positive impact on the marine environment within their local community this year. The winner will be a recognised leader on marine conservation issues within their community. Special attention will be paid to those working in an unfavourable environment or circumstances. Nominees for this award must have a) initiated a promising effort for the benefit of the ocean within their community, or b) significantly improved, advanced or revived an existing effort towards new achievements.

Criteria: Judges will consider the following when assessing this category:

• The strength of the impact on the local marine environment, with a particular focus on measurable outcomes.
• Engagement of the individual/initiative with the local community.
• The scalability of the initiative to wider locations.
• The longevity and sustainability of the initiative.
• Innovative solutions, especially where resources were limited.
• Resilience in the face of adversity.

This award celebrates and recognises an individual between the ages of 18 and 30 who is at the beginning of their career. They will have shown commitment and action within ocean conservation. The winner of this award will have demonstrated promising leadership and vision on ocean issues, be it through campaigning and advocacy, the mainstream media, art forms, or educational programmes. This can be through either a voluntary or professional position.

Criteria: Judges will consider the following when assessing this category:

• The demonstrable and measurable impact of the individual’s commitment to ocean conservation
• Leadership shown by the young individual.
• The potential for future impact by the young individual.
• Use of particularly innovative or creative approaches to ocean issues.

This award recognises the individual, company or group that has this year publicly introduced innovative measures for reducing stress on the oceans or for improving ocean health. Such measures might include business operations that are not undertaken at the expense of the marine environment or development of promising new technologies that benefit the marine environment. However, we encourage nominees to view the definition of ‘measures’ flexibly. Innovative thinking in many forms is welcomed.

Criteria: Judges will consider the following when assessing this category:

• The originality and creativity of the innovative measure introduced.
• The level of impact on the ocean’s health as a result of these innovative measures.
• The potential and a strategy for the innovation to be scaled, adapted or adopted in other settings.

This award recognises the individual or research team that has made an original scientific contribution that has proven impact on sustainable ocean stewardship. Nominees for this award must have significantly contributed towards the publication of a game-changing scientific study that has been used to support a thriving ocean. This can also include the publication of documents such as policy briefs and white papers.

Criteria: Judges will consider the following when assessing this category:

• The level of positive environmental impact on the ocean’s health of these scientific developments.
• The applied outcomes of the scientific contribution, e.g. has it shaped policy or marine management.
• The significance of the research, i.e. is this a long-awaited discovery or breakthrough.

This award recognises an individual or group that has made outstanding contributions to advancing ocean literacy, enhancing public understanding of the ocean’s influence on us and our influence on the ocean. The winner will have delivered innovative initiatives, campaigns, or resources that promote awareness, connection, and responsibility for ocean health. Efforts that engage underserved or marginalised communities, demonstrate impact, and foster stewardship will be prioritised.

Criteria: Judges will consider the following when assessing this category:

• The effectiveness of the initiative in enhancing public understanding of ocean science, biodiversity, conservation, or the human-ocean connection.
• The creativity or originality of the engagement methods and messages.
• The extent to which the initiative has reached and meaningfully engaged its intended audience.
• The initiative’s potential for replication or scalability in other contexts or communities.
• Special attention will be given to entries that prioritise accessibility and inclusion, particularly of underserved or marginalised groups.