Nominations for the 2025 Raincoast Ocean Science Awards are now open

We are thrilled to announce the third annual Raincoast Ocean Science Awards, celebrating outstanding achievements by individuals and groups striving to protect coastal lands, waters, and wildlife through science, Indigenous Knowledge systems, and public engagement. 

Highlights from the 2024 Ocean Science Awards

The 2024 awards were presented at a special dinner event at the Polygon Art Gallery in North Vancouver, attended by an inspiring group of visionaries and changemakers. Last year’s recipients included the following outstanding individuals and organizations: 

• The North Award for Lifetime Contribution to Coastal Conservation – Eric Peterson and Christina Munck, founders of the Hakai Institute. For over 15 years, the Hakai Institute has supported groundbreaking research on the central BC Coast through funding, infrastructure, and scientific leadership. 
• The Newman Award for Excellence in Conservation and Research – Oceans Initiative, founded by Drs. Erin Ashe and Rob Williams, delivers innovative scientific solutions to conserve marine biodiversity and nurture resilience in the face of climate change and other human threats.  
• The Raincoast Student Award – Zoe Penno, a master’s student in Biology at the University of Victoria whose research explores the connection between marine and terrestrial ecosystems. 
• The Nightingale Award in Ocean Engagement – Southern Gulf Islands Whale Sighting Network, a dedicated volunteer-led citizen science initiative  that conducts land-based whale monitoring around the Gulf Islands.  

Nominate for the 2025 Raincoast Ocean Science Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Raincoast Ocean Science Awards.  We invite you to nominate individuals and groups who are advancing ocean science and conservation. 

Nominations close August 15th. Submit yours using the form below: 

Honouring a Legacy of Ocean Science and Conservation 

Originally established in 1995 as the Murray A. Newman Awards at the Vancouver Aquarium, these awards have long celebrated leadership in ocean science and conservation in British Columbia. Raincoast is proud to continue this legacy. 

Raincoast has been applying a unique model of informed advocacy to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of coastal BC for over 25 years. All of our projects are rooted in rigorous, peer-reviewed research and science, and informed by community engagement. 

Award Categories 

North Award for Lifetime Contribution to Ocean Conservation

Granted to an individual whose lifelong commitment to ocean conservation serves as an enduring example to all.

The Newman Award for Excellence in Conservation and Research

Presented to an individual, team, or organization for significant work and/or an entire career of leading contributions in ocean research and/or conservation.

The Raincoast Student Award

Recognizes outstanding research undertaken by graduate students.

The Nightingale Award in Ocean Engagement

Honours individuals or organizations making a meaningful impact in improving the world’s oceans through engagement activities that harness knowledge and science. This award includes a $25,000 bursary to support initiatives that inspire, educate, and empower public participation in ocean conservation.