The Ocean Awards

The Ocean Awards were launched to raise awareness of the crisis in the marine environment, and celebrate individuals and organisations that have worked to help solve it.

The awards are given in the following categories:  

1. Local Hero  

Individual or group that has had the most positive impact on the marine environment within their local community. Leader on marine conservation issues within their community.  

2. Science  

Individual or research team that has made an original scientific contribution about the ocean.  

3. Innovation  

Individual or group that has publicly introduced innovative measures for reducing stress on the oceans or for improving ocean health; such measures might include business operations which are not undertaken at the expense of the marine environment or development of promising new technologies that benefit the marine environment.  

4. Public Awareness  

Individual or group that has done the most to advance marine conservation objectives, including public literacy about marine conservation issues, through campaigning and advocacy, the mainstream media, art forms, or educational programmes.  

5. Lifetime Achievement   

Individual that has taken the lead on globally significant actions, such as policy or advocacy initiatives, for the benefit of ocean health, over an extended period of time.  

6. Young Initiative  

Individual between 18 and 30 years old at the beginning of their career. Has shown commitment and action within ocean conservation. Demonstrated promising leadership and vision on ocean issues, through campaigning and advocacy, the mainstream media, art forms, or educational programmes.  

Originally an initiative run by Blue Marine and yachting publishers BOAT International, the annual awards are now overseen by BOAT and ocean charity Nekton.