Supported by BLUE WORLD and Wilderlab
The prizes were announced at the Australian National Maritime Museum, as part of Science Week.
2025 Valerie Taylor Ocean Prize Winners
Danielle Ryan & James Sherwood, NSW National Parks Association – Overall Prize for 30 x 30 action for the ocean
April Allende- Gamay Rangers- Prize for excellence in marine research
Mitchell Brennan, Sydney Institute of Marine Science – Prize for marine science research and communication
Lorna Parry, Underwater Earth – Prize for excellence in ocean literacy
Sam Nerrie – Prize for a sustained contribution to ocean protection
Steph Scott – East Coast Algae – Prize for creative ocean literacy
Penny Davidson, Jervis Bay Marine Park Alliance – Prize for community action
Yolanda Waters, Divers for Climate- Prize for creative ocean advocacy
Sarah-Jo Lobwein, So Shire – Prize for excellence in citizen science
Stuarts Point and District Community Organisation – Prize for Inspiring Sea change
Rhiannon Mitchell of Saltwater Sistas – Prize for outstanding ocean protection leadership
Friends of Solitary Islands Marine Park – Prize for commitment to ocean conservation
Emily Rowland – Prize for youth action for the ocean
Eyes Beneath Collers regeneration- Treading Lightly – Prize for Youth Leadership
Underwater Research Group – Prize for ocean stewardship
Earth to Sea Guardians – Prize for excellence in advocacy and community engagement
Congratulations to all prizewinners. We thank every one who applied for the prizes.
$40,000 in cash prizes were awarded
50 Wilderlab e-dna kits, kindly been donated by WILDERLAB, for marine conservation campaigning and ocean literacy/ education projects. This donation is valued at $14,500. Many thanks!
The easy-to-use eDNA kits require no specialised training or equipment, and are ideal for a range of applications including conservation and education. The unique on-site processing system avoids the need to keep samples cold. The small, lightweight samples can be sent by post to New Zealand for processing.
The aims of the Valerie Taylor Ocean Prizes
• To make a direct impact on ocean protection and restoration.
• To interest, inform and activate our communities to protect and care for our ocean.
This includes NSW marine and harbour eco-systems, marine species, coastal habitats and seabirds.
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the waters and land where we live, work, learn, swim and draw inspiration. We pay our respects to elders past, present and future. We undertake to care for the coast and waters.
