The Ocean Hero Awards honour the contributions Clean Coasts volunteers have made towards conserving our coastline.
Established in 2006 as the 'Clean Coasts' Merit Awards,' the program has evolved over the years to over 2,000 Clean Coasts groups and 40,000 volunteers.
This year, Clean Coasts marks its 20th Anniversary.
In County Cork, Proinsias O' Tuama from Clean Coasts Ballynamona was nominated in the Individual of the Year category and volunteer Mark MacCarthy was nominated for the Campaigner of the Year Award.
The group Siuloid at Clonakilty Community Resource Centre were nominated for the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award, St Colman’s Community College (who frequently team up with Clean Coasts Ballynamona) scored a nomination in the Youth of the Year category and Cobh Island Clean Coasts Group were nominated in the Event of the Year Category.
Clean Coasts Ballynamona with St Colman’s Community College won the Event of the Year award at the 2023 Clean Coasts Ocean Hero Awards. This category recognises noteworthy events organised by Clean Coasts groups that have made a significant positive impact on coastal environments and community education, honouring the dedication, creativity, and efforts of Clean Coasts groups in organising events that contribute to the protection and enhancement of our coastlines.
The group ran a series of beach cleans on beaches in East and West Cork in May and June 2023. These Clean ups were entitled, ‘The Big Little Beach Cleans’ set up to tie in with Cork County Council for their Blue Flag environmental education activities.
During the two main days in East Cork, there was 500 students with another 100 students attending the event in West Cork. The event included 4 stations for the students, three focused on marine themed workshops and one clean up station.
