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Returning for their 11th edition, the Ocean Awards 2026 is held in partnership with BOAT International and in association with Kensington Yachts.
Nominations for the Ocean Awards 2026 are now open and deadline for submissions is 13 February 2026 at 11.59pm.
Without the complex marine biodiversity provided by our ocean, you wouldn’t be here. The ocean makes up 71 per cent of the earth’s surface, and it produces more than half the oxygen we breathe, absorbs half the carbon dioxide we produce, regulates climate, supplies ecosystems and employs about 140 million people, including those in fishing, aquaculture, tourism and many more.
The sea provides humankind with incalculable pleasure, whether derived from swimming, viewing or being on it. Yet the oceans are now under serious threat from irresponsible human activity, such as overfishing, coastal pollution and climate change. Luckily this crisis presents the largest solvable environmental problem on the planet and with decisive action, studies show that it is reversible within 20 years.
The crisis in our oceans is the largest solvable problem on the planet.
Winning an Ocean Award provides a unique opportunity to amplify your cause or showcase the achievements of an inspiring individual or organisation. Each winner’s work will be celebrated in BOAT International’s prestigious Ocean Issue and shared across a collaborative network with both Nekton and Kensington Yachts.
Winners are featured across BOAT International, Nekton, and Kensington Yachts’ social media platforms, with a combined social media audience of over 200,000.
The Ocean Awards 2025 comprises five categories – the Community Impact Award (previously Local Hero), Young Initiative, Innovation, Science Impact and Ocean Literacy– the awards will shine a light on individuals, communities and organisations that have contributed to improving the health of the marine environment, the sustainable management of marine resources or public engagement with the oceans during the qualifying period.
The deadline for submissions is 11.59pm on 13 February 2026.
Please read the T&C’s before applying for an award.
If you have any questions, please contact the BOAT International events team.