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Volunteer Niamh Byrne beach cleaning

Young Ocean Optimist of the Year Award

If you or someone you know has done something amazing for our ocean, nominate them for our Ocean Optimist Award

Young Ocean Optimist of the Year Award

Launched in 2020, the Young Ocean Optimist of the Year Award is a celebration of young people who've done incredible things to protect, recover, and share appreciation of our ocean.

Nominations for 2021 have now closed, but you can find more information about the process below. Check back in the new year for information about the award in 2022.

Who is it for?

The nominee must be under-18, and the award will be divided into two categories: under 12s and 13-18 year olds. Nominees should be individuals rather than groups or schools, and the reason for nomination should relate to the last 12 months.

How do I nominate?

Nominations opened on International Youth Day on 12th August and have now closed.

Green turtles over seagrass in Turks and Caicos Islands

Credit: Peter Richardson

What are we looking for?

Our judges will be focusing on the following criteria:

  • Is the achievement or project marine focused?
  • Did the achievement or project take place in the last year?
  • What's the scale of the impact the nominee has made?
  • Are they engaging others to take action for marine conservation? Are they involved in multiple projects?
  • How much time has been dedicated?
  • Are there future plans for the achievement or project?
  • Is this their own initiative? Is it innovative?
  • Has the nominee engaged with any of our campaigns or projects?
Sponge crab Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds MCZ, Norfolk, Samantha Bean.jpg

Credit: Samantha Bean

What happens next?

Our two winners will be chosen by our judging panel, which will include our CEO, Sandy Luk.

Our shortlisted nominees and the winner will all be invited to our annual AGM, where both winners will be be announced live. All nominees will receive a certificate, and our winners will receive glass trophies.

Common Starfish Loch Sween Scotland Mark Kirkland

Credit: Mark Kirkland

Got someone in mind?

Nominations are now closed for 2021, but check back in the new year for more information about the Young Ocean Optimist of the Year Award 2022!

Big Seaweed Search.jpg