Clean Coasts announced the groups and volunteers that were nominated for the Ocean Hero Awards 2023. Winners will be announced in an in-person ceremony on December 7.
Clean Coasts is thrilled to announce the shortlist for the annual Ocean Hero Awards. The Clean Coasts’ Ocean Hero Awards pay tribute to the exceptional contributions made by Clean Coasts volunteers, groups, and communities in safeguarding our coast and marine life.
Established in 2006 as the ‘Clean Coasts’ Merit Awards,’ the accolades initially featured a single category, ‘The Clean Coasts Group of the Year.’ Over the years, the programme has evolved, engaging over 2,000 Clean Coasts groups and 40,000 volunteers, becoming an integral part of coastal communities nationwide.
In County Galway, Galway Atlantaquaria were shortlisted in the “Event of the Year” category. Galway Atlantaquaria hosted several events throughout the year, from regular beach cleaning event to biodiversity workshops. However, they Yoga + Beach Clean series throughout the summer earned them their nomination in this category. This event series entailed guided yoga sessions on Salthill and Spiddal followed by a beach clean and were organised to promote the Clean Coasts “Enjoy and Protect” campaign.
2023 was a year like no other. This year, the Ocean Hero Awards take on special significance as Clean Coasts marks its 20th Anniversary. For the past 20 years, Clean Coasts has grown from strength to strength expanding and creating campaigns and initiatives aimed at enjoying, protecting and celebrating the beauty of our coast. None of that would be possible without the groups and volunteers all across Ireland that have helped make and grow the programme into what it is today.
