Coastal Futures 2026
28th & 29th January, London and online.
About the conference
Coastal Futures is the largest ocean conference of its kind in the UK and the 2026 edition will provide delegates with wide-ranging coverage of the critical current and future issues. The conference provides unrivalled knowledge sharing, networking, promotion, and training opportunities.
Coastal Futures conferences offer unparalleled networking opportunities with over 750 delegates from 200 organisations across two-days in January every year.
This year’s theme ‘From ambition to action‘
The ocean underpins our climate, our economy, and our well-being. Yet rising demand for space and resources makes the future of our seas more contested than ever. Coastal Futures 2026 will bring together leaders and practitioners from across sectors to move beyond ambition and into action, navigating our shared future by exploring the policies, partnerships, and innovations needed to deliver a thriving ocean for all.
2026 conference details
Outline programme and themes
Call for Presentations & Posters
We are inviting abstract submissions for this year’s conference, a place where practitioners in our field come together to challenge conventions, spark new ideas, and shape the future. This is your chance to contribute to a dynamic exchange of knowledge, gain valuable feedback from peers, and leave a lasting mark.
You can find further information and submit your abstract via this link. The deadline for abstracts is Friday, 17 October, 18:00 GMT.
The OCF Bob Earll Award 2026:
Outstanding contribution to ocean and coastal management
This year’s award is focussed on inclusive leadership and community engagement: recognising an individual(s) whose leadership has demonstrably fostered greater inclusion and community engagement. The Award celebrates those who are building bridges between diverse groups, breaking down barriers, and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities to participate in and benefit from ocean stewardship.
OCF are pleased to invite nominations for the Bob Earll Award 2026, to be presented at the Coastal Futures conference on 28th January.
Nominations via an online form, will close at 12:00 GMT on 7 November 2025.
Bursary awards
Our Bursary aimed at helping underrepresented groups gain access to the conference is now open for applications.
As part of our commitment to encouraging and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion, we are launching our third Coastal Futures Bursary to amplify the voices of young people in UK marine decision-making.
This opportunity is open for young people aged 18 to 25 years old, groups who are currently underrepresented in the marine & coastal sector and face financial barriers to attending.
Applications will close at 12.00 GMT on 7 November 2025. Find out more and apply here.
2025 Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor
Media Partner
Reception Sponsor
Sponsors
Bob Earll Award
The OCF Bob Earll Award 2026:
Outstanding contribution to ocean and coastal management
This year’s award is focussed on inclusive leadership and community engagement: recognising an individual(s) whose leadership has demonstrably fostered greater inclusion and community engagement. The Award celebrates those who are building bridges between diverse groups, breaking down barriers, and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities to participate in and benefit from ocean stewardship.
OCF are pleased to invite nominations for the Bob Earll Award 2026, to be presented at the Coastal Futures conference on 28th January.
Nominations via an online form, will close at 12:00 GMT on 7 November 2025.
Coastal Futures Bursary
Bursary awards
Our Bursary aimed at helping underrepresented groups gain access to the conference is now open for applications.
As part of our commitment to encouraging and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion, we are launching our third Coastal Futures Bursary to amplify the voices of young people in UK marine decision-making.
This opportunity is open for young people aged 18 to 25 years old, groups who are currently underrepresented in the marine & coastal sector and face financial barriers to attending.
Applications will close at 12.00 GMT on 7 November 2025. Find out more and apply here.
Ethnic Diversity in the Marine and Coastal Sector: research report
Published May 2024, our report highlights the pressing imperative to diversify the marine and coastal practitioner community. The report identifies the need to bring in the perspectives and energy of currently underrepresented groups.
