As part of World Ocean Month 2026 celebrations and as we work to increase positive impact on the environment in final years of the United Nations designated “Ocean Decade”, the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) is proud to introduce the Doug Allan Ocean Sustainability Awards, a new initiative designed to recognise Cayman Islands companies who demonstrate outstanding leadership in marine conservation and environmental stewardship.
As pressures on the health of the marine environment grow, it is important that companies join in the sustainability efforts of the broader community to truly help move the needle. By creating and implementing strategic changes in daily business operations, community partnerships, and long-term planning to be more sustainable, corporate leaders can help accelerate broader change as they influence their employees, customers, investors, suppliers, and their sectors to take bold positive action for the future of the environment.
CCMI’s CEO Kate Holden believes, “As drivers of economic activity locally, regionally, and globally, Cayman companies have a unique opportunity to lead sustainability efforts here at home. These companies also have the capacity to make meaningful changes to their operations and incorporate actionable sustainability plans that strengthen ESG performance while benefiting local marine ecosystems and communities. We know local companies are out there taking bold, innovative actions already and we are continually asked how they can do more, so we have launched these awards to provide a focus on how businesses can be ocean champions. Our goal with the Doug Allan Ocean Sustainability Awards is to shine a spotlight on these efforts and hopefully encourage other companies to expand their pro-ocean efforts.”
Named in honour of Doug Allan, OBE, the internationally acclaimed filmmaker, photographer, and passionate advocate for the natural world, the awards celebrate businesses that make meaningful contributions toward a more sustainable future for the Cayman Islands through innovation, responsibility, and community engagement.
Doug Allan OBE first collaborated with CCMI as a guest speaker and photography judge at Festival of Seas: Coral Reef Horizons in 2024. He returned to Cayman in November 2025, sharing insights on the interconnectedness of Cayman’s coral reefs with ecosystems around the world. His talks reached and inspired more than 1,000 students and community members over the course of a week! He used his stunning imagery to showcase the importance of Cayman's marine environment on a global stage. Intertwined with fascinating stories of his adventures in some of the world's most remote and pristine environments, Doug's talks brought his audience closer to the wonders of nature, evoking a deep respect for the environment in which we live.
Sadly, Doug Allan passed away on 8th April 2026, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration, adventure, and advocacy for our natural world.
“Doug was a valued ambassador for CCMI and a powerful voice for ocean conservation. He was so passionate about educating inspiring ocean enthusiasts. He used incredible visual storytelling to encourage communities here and around the world to act for the future of the ocean,” said Holden. “When working with him, he always went over and above to connect people to the ocean and help CCMI achieve our mission, which to us made him extra special. We also discussed at length the barriers to being more sustainable and how easy it is for us to make small changes that really add up. He was an inspiration, and I hope people take up the challenge to protect our oceans, as Doug would have wanted.”
The three award categories will recognise companies demonstrating excellence in community partnerships, operational sustainability, and long-term environmental vision.
Community Connections
Honouring companies that demonstrate active environmental leadership through hands-on volunteering, partnerships, and tangible community initiatives that protect and restore the marine environment.
Ocean Footprint
Recognising organisations that take strong internal action to reduce their environmental impact and improve ocean sustainability through operations, policies, and practices.
Visionary Award
Celebrating companies that set the gold standard for and are redefining corporate leadership in sustainability through forward-thinking strategies, bold pro-ocean behaviour, and an ocean-conscious company ethos as part of the mission, planning, and long-term goals.
Full nomination details and submission information will be available from 15 June on the “awards” tab at www.reefresearch.org/Ocean-Decade. CCMI will accept nominations from 1st July through 1st September 2026. Completed nominations and supporting materials should be sent to events@reefresearch.org.
After the nomination period has closed, CCMI will contact nominees in early September to notify them of their nomination. A panel of judges will review applications and shortlist the top three nominees for each award by 1st October. The winning companies will be announced at Festival of Seas: Gothic Tides on 31st October 2026 at the Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman.
Members of the community are encouraged to submit nominations and help spotlight the corporate entities that are making a lasting difference for Cayman’s oceans.
For more information about the Doug Allan Ocean Sustainability Awards, including nomination criteria, forms, and terms and conditions, or the Festival of Seas gala, please visit: www.reefresearch.org/Ocean-Decade.