Volunteer group from Louth shortlisted for Ocean Hero Awards

An Taisce’s Clean Coasts Programme has announced the shortlist for the 2025 Ocean Hero Award, paying tribute to the exceptional contributions made by Clean Coasts groups and volunteers across Ireland who are championing coastal care and protection in their communities.  

From humble beginnings in 2006 as the 'Clean Coasts' Merit Awards,' the awards have grown from a single category, to honouring 45 groups and individuals in 9 categories in 2025. Clean Coasts engages the support of over 2,500 Clean Coasts groups and 45,000 volunteers nationwide, and the Ocean Hero awards are an annual homage to the great efforts of dedicated volunteers.  

After receiving hundreds of nominations across nine distinct categories: Group of Year, Community Champion, Youth Initiative, Campaign Ambassador, Leadership, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, Nature Guardian, Community Action, and Emerging Group Awards, a total of 45 groups, organisations and individuals were shortlisted for the title of Ocean Hero within each of the categories. 

In County Louth, Cósta Álainn Clean Coasts have been shortlisted for the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Award for their efforts toward creating an inclusive space for all at Seapoint, Termonfeckin.  

All shortlisted nominees have been invited to attend an awards ceremony luncheon, which will take place on 5th December at the Gibson Hotel in Dublin to find out the winners in each category. During the ceremony, there will be panel talks and discussions on the marine environment, Clean Coasts campaigns, and the importance community actions.  

Bronagh Moore, Clean Coasts Programme Manager said, “Community groups and volunteers are the heartbeat of An Taisce’s Clean Coasts Programme. Every year the Ocean Hero Awards affords us the opportunity to celebrate and showcase all the amazing work that these volunteers do, in their own time, all over the country. The event is always an inspiring and uplifting occasion that serves as a reminder of the power of community and how together, we can overcome the challenges we face in protecting and caring for our coastline, ocean, marine life and waterways.”