Marine Megafauna in Sailing Guidelines shortlisted for 2026 Sport Positive Award

Marine Megafauna in Sailing Guidelines shortlisted for 2026 Sport Positive Award © World Sailing

World Sailing and the Marine Mammal Advisory Group recognised for biodiversity protection through science-based strategy

The Marine Megafauna in Sailing Guidelines, co-authored by World Sailing and the Marine Mammal Advisory Group (MMAG), have been shortlisted for the 2026 Sport Positive Awards in the Biodiversity category, recognising the initiative as one of the world's leading conservation projects in sport.

The Guidelines provide practical recommendations to help reduce the risk of vessel interactions with whales, dolphins, turtles, manatees, and other protected marine species. Built around MMAG's six-pillar risk mitigation strategy, the resource translates complex marine science into practical action through operational guidance, real-world case studies, implementation tools, and a companion Quick Guide designed for sailors, race officials, and event organisers.

"The Marine Megafauna in Sailing Guidelines provide a science-based strategy that enables event organizers and sailors to make informed decisions that reduce strike risk to marine wildlife," said Damian Foxall, co-founder of the Marine Mammal Advisory Group. "This Sport Positive Award recognition belongs to the remarkable community of scientists, conservation practitioners, sailing organisations, and sailors themselves whose expertise and collaboration made this resource possible."

The recognition marks the second consecutive year MMAG has been named a finalist in the Biodiversity category. In 2025, the organisation was shortlisted for establishing the Marine Mammal Advisory Group, a global cohort connecting scientists, race organisers, sailors, and conservation practitioners. This year's recognition celebrates the publication and global implementation of the Marine Megafauna in Sailing Guidelines, transforming that collaborative foundation into an official sport-wide evidence-based biodiversity framework.

Distributed by World Sailing to all Member National Authorities, classes and events, the Guidelines establish biodiversity protection as an official reference for sailing organisations worldwide.

"This shortlist recognises the power of collaboration across our sport," said David Graham, World Sailing CEO. "Working alongside MMAG, we have been able to embed biodiversity into official sailing guidance, giving event organisers and sailors practical tools to incorporate marine wildlife protection into everyday operations. It is an important step toward consistent, sport-wide adoption of evidence-based environmental policy."

Adoption has rapidly expanded since publication. World-class events such as The Ocean Race have incorporated marine megafauna considerations into race routing and operational planning, the Newport Bermuda Race has strengthened hazard reporting protocols, and the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta has explored live acoustic monitoring solutions to improve marine wildlife awareness during breeding season.

The Sport Positive Awards have also recognised the efforts of sailing stakeholders elsewhere across the 2026 awards categories, with Yachting New Zealand and the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team's collaboration with kitround also earning the attention of the judges.

In the Education and Training category, Yachting New Zealand's RUNA initiative has been shortlisted for its work in reimagining sport as a platform for meaningful learning and environmental action. Designed for students aged 8-15, RUNA combines classroom teaching with hands-on sailing experiences and real-world environmental investigations, creating a powerful and engaging pathway from awareness to action.

Emirates GBR's tie-up with kitround also led to recognition in the Purpose-Led Partnership category. When the team's kit sponsor changed in December 2025, requiring a full changeover, they worked with kitround to ensure that in just eight weeks the existing crew kit was redistributed responsibly. Two hundred items of teamwear went on sale at attractive prices, giving fans a rare chance to own kit that would never normally be available, with every sale also raising money for the team's official charity.

The Sport Positive Awards celebrate organisations using sport as a platform to drive environmental leadership and positive change. The 2026 shortlist reinforces sailing's growing role in protecting ocean biodiversity, while demonstrating how collaboration between science and sport can deliver lasting conservation outcomes.