About

CaNOE is home to a diverse community of marine and aquatic educators working across Canada in classrooms, communities, and the field. To celebrate those who go above and beyond, CaNOE created the Canadian Ocean Education Awards, inspired by the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators Outstanding Educator Awards presented at the 2024 CaNOE/NAME Conference.

Canada’s oceans and waterways connect us all, making access to ocean education vital. Through its national network, CaNOE promotes and supports ocean literacy, helping Canadians understand how the ocean influences our lives and how our choices impact ocean health. The Canadian Ocean Education Awards recognize exceptional individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing this work.

Show your support for ocean education by nominating an outstanding educator or organization. You can find the rubric here.

Award categories

  • Canadian Ocean Educator of the Year

  • Canadian Ocean Education Organization of the Year

winners will receive

  • Commemorative award handmade by a Canadian artist

  • Recognition at the CaNOE Annual General Meeting

  • Featured profile on the CaNOE website for one year

  • Highlighted on CaNOE’s social media throughout the year

  • Formal educators receive a virtual classroom visit with award‑winning author Rochelle Strauss

  • Winners also receive a collection of prizes and offers from other members of the CaNOE network. For 2026, this includes:

Educator of the year

Eligibility

  • Nominee must identify as a Canadian educator, formal or informal

  • Must demonstrate an active commitment to marine and/or aquatic education in Canada

  • Must be nominated by a member of the CaNOE network. Sign up for our SPLASHmail newsletter now and join

  • Nomination includes a concise description of the nominee’s activities, scope, and impact

organization of the year

Eligibility

  • Any Canadian organization (non-profit, for-profit, society, or charity) engaged in marine or aquatic education

  • Must demonstrate an active commitment to marine and/or aquatic education in Canada

  • Must be nominated by a member of the CaNOE network. Sign up for our SPLASHmail newsletter now and join

  • Nomination includes a concise description of the nominee’s activities, scope, and impact

Awards Timeline


January 1st

Nominations open!


September 15th

Nominations close.

September – December

The Education and Outreach Working Group and Board finalize and select winners.

November /
December

Winners announced at Annual General Meeting.