M arine protection has never felt more urgent. With the ocean tribute Award 2026, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the German Ocean Foundation and boot Düsseldorf highlight five outstanding initiatives – and invite the public to help choose this year’s winner.
When the ocean tribute Award was launched in 2017, the goal was clear: to shine a spotlight on people and projects that don’t just talk about marine conservation, but actively push it forward. Backed by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the German Ocean Foundation and boot Düsseldorf, the award has grown into a powerful platform for ocean action.
“Through the ocean tribute, we want to raise awareness for extraordinary projects and show what is possible – and what is necessary,” says boot director Petros Michelidakis. “All of the nominated projects represent the respect we should show for the oceans on this planet.”
The 2026 edition is now entering its decisive phase. After reviewing all submissions for impact, participation and networking, the jury has shortlisted five finalists. The final step is up to the public: ocean lovers worldwide are invited to vote for their favourite project here.
The winning initiative will be announced on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, during a ceremony at Düsseldorf City Hall, and will receive €20,000 in prize money. Public voting runs until 19 December.
The 2026 finalists
Iberian Orca Guardians (Spain)
Only around 35 Iberian orcas are still believed to live in the Strait of Gibraltar and off the Iberian Peninsula – one of Europe’s rarest orca populations. Iberian Orca Guardians work to protect these animals from intense shipping traffic, illegal fishing, human aggression and invasive research. Their “Save The Iberian Orca” campaign combines awareness-raising, sea patrols and non-invasive research, while building bridges with the sailing community that shares the same waters. The goal: long-term protection of the Iberian orca as part of Europe’s natural and cultural heritage.
marinecultures.org (Switzerland / Zanzibar)
With coral reefs under pressure from climate change, overfishing and pollution, marinecultures.org focuses on coral restoration and sustainable sponge farming in Zanzibar and along the Tanzanian coast. Since 2008, the organisation has been running coral farms with up to 40 tables per site, planting around 10,000 corals per year on degraded reefs and increasing biodiversity. In parallel, they explore larval propagation to boost genetic resilience. Their sponge farms clean seawater and provide women’s cooperatives with a stable income, linking ecological impact with social empowerment and offering an alternative to fishing.
One Ocean Planet Foundation (Spain)
One Ocean Planet Education puts children and youth at the centre of ocean and climate action. Under the global campaign The Power is in Us, the foundation encourages students to see themselves as part of the solution through three interconnected initiatives:
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University Challenge, where master’s students tackle real-world marine challenges.
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Generation Blue, a school programme combining Carlos Duarte’s Ocean Wedges, planetary boundaries and kindness with project-based learning.
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Hero Kids, a youth-led movement for early engagement.
In partnership with 10% for the Ocean, the programme launches with the documentary Ocean with David Attenborough to underline why a healthy ocean is essential to solving climate change.
Sailing Insieme / F2 Eco (Austria)
With F2 Eco, Sailing Insieme proposes a radically different approach to antifouling: an extremely hard, smooth coating that deters fouling and can be cleaned mechanically without releasing toxins into the water. The product is free from biocides, silicone, PFAS/PTFE, VOCs and other harmful substances, works on GRP, aluminium, steel and wood, and can protect hulls for over five years without annual repainting. By reducing washout, pollutants and microplastics, F2 Eco aims to make every single hull part of the solution – living up to its philosophy: every hull matters.
Turtle Foundation (Cape Verde)
On the island of Boa Vista in Cape Verde, Turtle Foundation protects one of the world’s most important nesting areas for endangered loggerhead turtles. Local rangers and international volunteers work together to prevent poaching during the nesting season. Beyond beach patrols, the project organises beach clean-ups and turns plastic waste into new products through the LixoLimpo upcycling initiative. Educational programmes, workshops and swimming courses for children foster a personal connection to the sea and a sense of responsibility for the oceans. By involving schools, volunteers and partner organisations, the project creates a network that combines species protection, education and community engagement – with tangible long-term impact on coastal ecosystems.
As boot Düsseldorf 2026 approaches, the ocean tribute Award once again proves that real change often starts with dedicated individuals and focused initiatives. Five very different projects, one shared message: healthy oceans are not a niche concern – they are a responsibility for all of us.
