PUBLIC METHODOLOGY
Evidence before recognition.
A published assessment framework. No award is issued until the evidence, decision and independent review are recorded.
HO-AWARDS-2026.1 · Initial published framework
Happy Orbis Ocean Awards are a private assessment programme. No regulatory accreditation or official EU endorsement is claimed.
The decision rules
Each criterion is scored from 0 to 5. The weighted total must reach 70 out of 100. Pollution prevention, water protection and biodiversity must each score at least 3.
Material legal non-compliance prevents an award. The assessor records evidence, boundaries, conflicts and findings. A different authorised reviewer decides.
An award is valid for 12 months from issue. Scope, evidence, score and the decision are public. Revocation and expiry remain visible in verification.
Possible decisions: awarded, not awarded, or reassessment. New evidence or an appeal can be submitted through the contact form with the assessment reference.
Submit evidence or an appealScoring rubric
No reliable evidence or unacceptable performance.
Initial commitments with major evidence gaps.
Partial implementation with unresolved material gaps.
Documented controls and credible measured performance.
Strong outcomes, repeatable monitoring and transparent reporting.
Sustained, independently supported results and continuous improvement.
Category boundaries
Ocean Responsible Port
Port operations, vessel interfaces, dredging, discharges and the surrounding coast.
All weighted criteria apply within the declared boundary. Missing evidence cannot be replaced by a payment or an unsupported claim.
Ocean Responsible Marina
Berthing, fuel handling, wastewater, visitor activity and local habitats.
All weighted criteria apply within the declared boundary. Missing evidence cannot be replaced by a payment or an unsupported claim.
Ocean Responsible Coastal City
Municipal water, coastal land use, pollution pathways and public accountability.
All weighted criteria apply within the declared boundary. Missing evidence cannot be replaced by a payment or an unsupported claim.
Ocean Responsible Resort
Coastal facilities, water demand, waste, habitat disturbance and guest activity.
All weighted criteria apply within the declared boundary. Missing evidence cannot be replaced by a payment or an unsupported claim.
Ocean Responsible Company
The declared marine operating boundary, supply chain and material environmental pressures.
All weighted criteria apply within the declared boundary. Missing evidence cannot be replaced by a payment or an unsupported claim.
Ocean Innovation Award
A defined technology, reproducible validation and demonstrated environmental relevance.
All weighted criteria apply within the declared boundary. Missing evidence cannot be replaced by a payment or an unsupported claim.
Marine Restoration Award
A defined habitat, baseline, permits, ecological monitoring and durable outcomes.
All weighted criteria apply within the declared boundary. Missing evidence cannot be replaced by a payment or an unsupported claim.
Ocean Research Award
Research quality, reproducibility, data stewardship and useful scientific contributions.
All weighted criteria apply within the declared boundary. Missing evidence cannot be replaced by a payment or an unsupported claim.
The assessment fee pays for the review process. It never purchases a positive decision or guarantees an award.