Here at the Ocean Conservation Trust we’re always trying to raise our voice for the Ocean, and members of parliament are high on the list of people we want to hear us.
Well, we can now say that quite a few of them are definitely listening! OCT is proud to share that its flagship Ocean habitats restoration project, Blue Meadows, won a runner-up prize at the 2026 BIAZA Great British Wildlife Restoration (GBWR) Awards, which are voted for by MPs.
The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (BIAZA) GBWR Awards is in its third year and recognise outstanding efforts to conserve native species across the British Isles. The awards were inspired by Sir David Attenborough’s love for the natural world, and their goal is to bring that love to our UK Politicians and prompt them to stand up for nature.
On January 20th, OCT CEO Ian McFadzen and Ocean Advocacy Manager Grace Clifford were delighted to attend the ceremony, where the Blue Meadows project was recognised as one of three prize-winners among 26 nominated conservation projects.
Grace led our application and through this process engaged with a significant number of MPs who overwhelmingly were supportive of the restoration project. Grace said “I was delighted to talk to such a wide variety of MPs to share the vital conservation work of the Blue Meadows project and how it impacts both coastal and inland communities. It was positive to hear their enthusiasm and the optimism for our programme and the positive impact to our environment.”
The awards celebrate the collective commitment to restoring nature, and the Blue Meadows team were recognised for their work protecting and restoring vital seagrass meadows. Through innovative restoration techniques and community engagement across 200 miles of coastline, the project is not only helping to support healthier seas, but also to connect people with their local coastal habitats.
The winners are voted for by members of parliament, which makes the entire event a win for raising awareness of the numerous, vital conservation efforts that are taking place across Britain.
Dr Jo Judge, CEO of BIAZA commented: “This is our biggest ever Great British Wildlife Restoration, with over one hundred and thirty parliamentarians taking part. The twenty-six projects, shows there are a huge range of conservation projects taking place, led by passionate and inspirational people in zoos and aquariums. We hope our politicians have taken the restoration of British nature to their hearts, and will join us as we create a wilder Great Britain where nature thrives.”
“The Ocean Conservation Trust’s Blue Meadows project is a worthy runner-up in a stiff competition. I was lucky enough to visit the National Marine Aquarium last year and see this remarkable project up close. Seagrass is vital to the health of our marine and coastal wildlife, so it is fantastic to have it celebrated tonight.”
OCT was thrilled to be among so many nominated organisations driving positive change for nature, and to be part of an event celebrating the vital role zoos and aquariums play in nature restoration.
To learn more about the Blue Meadows project, head to Ocean Habitats | Blue Meadows – Ocean Conservation Trust.