Rewarding outstanding work in otter conservation around the world.
Our 2023 winners are listed below! Scroll down to find out more about who they are, and what they do to make the world a better place for all species of otter.
Community Achievement
Salami Olalekan Michael, Nigeria
Salami Olalekan Michael is involved in The Otter Awareness Campaign and Conservation Education Program in Igbokoda, Ondo State, Nigeria. Here they are raising awareness and sharing knowledge about otter ecology through on-site visits and educational outreach; also encouraging sustainable practices in communities, such as ecotourism and regulating fishing gear
Group or Organisation
Projeto Ariranhas, Brazil
Projeto Ariranhas was found in 2019 by Caroline Leuchtenberger (biologist) and is based on nearly two decades of studies and conservation efforts focused on the Giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) in the Brazilian Pantanal. By promoting human coexistence with this species, the Project aims to transform the Giant otter into a symbol of a balanced ecosystem.
Photography/Artwork
Jorge Valenzuela, Chile, Photographer
Jorge’s image of a Marine otter (Lutra felina), running at full stretch across is beach, is unusual in that so many photographs of this amazing otter species are of it in the ocean
Research
Cardiff University Otter Project, Wales, UK
The Cardiff University Otter Project was set up in 1992. Over 30 years on, the CUOP continues as a long term environmental surveillance scheme, which uses otters found dead to investigate contaminants, disease, and population biology in England, Wales and Scotland.
Special Award
Dr.Hiroshi Sasaki, Professor, Japan
Dr. Sasaki has studied Asian otters since the 1990s. He is currently professor at Chikushi Jogakuen University, Chairman of the Asian Otter Conservation Society of Japan and involved in setting up new regulations for keeping captive otters in Japan. Dr. Sasaki has carried out a lot of genetic work particularly on extinct Japanese otter and also on identification of otter which appeared on Tsushima Island, Japan in 2017.
Young Persons Award
Asher Scott McCarty, United States
Asher is dedicated to otters and has shown this in various ways, including sharing information with classmates and educating people about them. Asher has also adopted local otters and raised money for IOSF, using tireless and resourceful efforts.
2022 Winners