BLUE WORLD invites you to enter the 2026 Valerie Taylor Ocean Prizes.
We hope to catalyse positive change across NSW for our ocean and coast. We welcome your ideas on ocean stewardship, using science, direct action, education and creativity. The project must be based in NSW.
Introducing our Patron: Valerie Taylor is a renowned diver, photographer, and trailblazing conservationist, dedicated to protecting and inspiring support for marine life. These annual prizes have been established to honour her achievements and to inspire wonder and positive action for the ocean.
2026 Valerie Taylor Ocean Prizes
$40,000 cash prizes for projects across New South Wales
50 WILDERLAB e-DNA analysis kits to be shared as part of the prizes.
Up to $10,000 may be awarded for a marine science project, though smaller amounts are more commonly awarded.
Prizes of up to $7000 will be awarded for all other projects, though smaller amounts are more commonly awarded. One over-all winner will be announced at the BLUE WORLD presentation night and presented with a trophy.
50 WILDERLAB e-DNA analysis kits
These prize kits have kindly offered for marine conservation action, marine science and ocean literacy/ education projects. This donation is valued around $14,500 and includes both kits and processing.
The kits will be awarded to groups for conservation work, science and marine education projects. We can release up to 4 kits per group for seasonal testing. (or get in touch to explain your needs)
Cash prizes and WILDERLAB e-dna kits can be awarded together.
Download the 2026 Valerie Taylor Ocean Prize Guidelines
Download the 2026 Valerie Taylor Ocean Prize entry form (word)
Download the 2026 Valerie Taylor Ocean Prize entry form (pdf)
Who can enter? The project must be based in NSW. Organisations, unincorporated groups, and individuals working on NSW coast, harbours and tidal rivers. We encourage applications from First Nations people, young people, regional communities. Previous winners are welcome to apply, provided they have acquitted their previous projects with BLUEWORLD.
Key dates
Open date: 31 March 2026
Closing date: Submissions must be received by 11.59 pm, 30 June 2026
Prize Announcement: The recipients will be announced during Science Week, August 2026
Areas of focus
Marine science and citizen science For materials, equipment or resources for a project with a marine conservation or restoration focus.
Community engagement and direct action: For campaigns or projects focused on local ocean issues and education: eg sanctuary campaigning, ocean pollution, rescue and protection of marine birds and animals; connecting climate change and the ocean, beach clean ups,
Artivism: Ocean literacy projects, Employ an artist/ musician/ digital storyteller & use creativity to catalyse support for your piece of the coast. On theme: Prop and costume workshop for conservation action; a reel for a campaign, paint a mural, hire an amp, ocean choir.
Youth engagement and leadership: We welcome projects designed by young people, including marine science PHD students with a conservation focus and public-school environmental clubs.
Please reach out to discuss your project and the criteria of the prizes.
The aims of the Valerie Taylor Ocean Prizes
- To make a direct impact on ocean health, protection and restoration.
- To excite and educate 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.
The prizes will be assessed according to the following criteria:
- The focus and potential impact of the project, with reference to the above aims.
- The feasibility and cost effectiveness of the project.
- Innovation and creativity of the project.
- Entrants’ potential to manage and evaluate an effective project.
- Partnerships, community engagement, collaboration, interdisciplinary approaches.
Note: BLUE WORLD
- does not provide prizes for other competitions.
- does not fund wages beyond paying a creative or workshop facilitator as part of a wider project. Please get in touch if you have questions.
Enter the Valerie Taylor Ocean Prizes
Complete and email the 2026 Valerie Taylor Ocean Prize entry form by 30 June 2026.
We will acknowledge receipt of the application.
The Valerie Taylor Ocean Prizes are proudly supported by BLUE WORLD and our partner WILDERLAB
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Download the 2026 Valerie Taylor Ocean Prize Guidelines
Download the 2026 Valerie Taylor Ocean Prize entry form (word)
Download the 2026 Valerie Taylor Ocean Prize entry form (pdf)
Judging: The prizes will be judged by Emily Jateff, curator at the National Maritime Museum, and the Blue World Directors.
