Ocean Citizen Award
Supporting the next wave of ocean advocates
Supporting the Next Wave of Ocean Advocates
The Ocean Citizen Award 2026, created in partnership with Felix Appelbe, founder of Ocean Ambassadors, is dedicated to supporting and uplifting emerging voices in ocean advocacy.
Each year, the award provides vital support to young people who are striving to become the next generation of effective ocean advocates.
The Award
We are proud to offer two young people a comprehensive package of funding and development support to kickstart their advocacy journey.
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Who can apply?
You can apply if you:
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Are aged 16–25 at the time of application
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Care deeply about the ocean and its future
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Have an idea for how this award would help you grow as an ocean advocate
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Can show that funding is a real barrier
You don’t need to have worked with Seaful before.
You do need a genuine connection to the ocean and a willingness to share your journey.A maximum of two recipients are selected each year.
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Funding
Up to £2,000 for funded activities, training, travel, or essential equipment to support your development as an Ocean Citizen.
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Eligible Costs Include
- Professional certifications (e.g., scuba diving qualifications).
- Educational courses related to marine conservation or advocacy.
- Travel and accommodation for volunteer placements.
- Essential equipment needed for your project or development.
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Development Support
- Blue Health Coaching
- Ocean Advocacy Mentoring
- Speakers Training
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What’s Expected of Recipients
We ask recipients to stay connected and share their learning along the way:
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Check-ins at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months minimum
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At least one storytelling piece (blog, video, or photo essay)
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A recorded reflection conversation with Seaful
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Ongoing communication throughout the year
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Key Dates
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Applications open: 1 January 2026
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Applications close: 28 February 2026
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Shortlisting: March 2026
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Award announced: April 2026
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Priority is given to applicants for whom this award could be genuinely transformational, either personally or in shaping their future direction, while also creating meaningful benefit for the wider ocean environment.
This award is not about perfection or having it all figured out. It’s about recognising potential, removing barriers, and providing the right support at the right moment so a young person can take their next step with confidence.
Through funded opportunities, mentoring, and ongoing support, the Ocean Citizen Award aims to equip recipients with the skills, experience, and voice to stand up for the ocean and to bring others with them.
Meet our 2025 Ocean Citizens
The inaugural 2025 Ocean Citizen Award recipients, Megan Hamill and Arwen Horsburgh, exemplify the spirit of this award. Their projects highlight the diverse ways the funding can be used.
- Arwen Horsburgh: Utilised the funding to provide financial and emotional aid, enabling her travel to Cyprus to volunteer with a critical turtle conservation project.
“I learned the value of pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Flying abroad to travel on my own away from everything I’d ever known was a scary thought, but in doing so I proved to myself that I could not only do it, but also thrive.”
- Megan Hamill: Received funding to undertake a five-month volunteer placement with the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust on the Isle of Mull, gaining invaluable field experience.
“Seeing two fin whales crossing the Minch in the Northern Hebrides was an absolutely mind-blowing experience… It made me so proud of Scotland’s marine environment and all the amazing animals we have here, and it reinforced the importance of protecting it.”