Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s It’s an Ocean World nominated for a Webby
(Graphic by Natalie Renier, ©Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Creative)
Woods Hole, Mass. (April 7, 2026) – Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s (WHOI) new, interactive web experience, It’s an Ocean World, has been nominated for a Webby Award in the Websites & Mobile Sites - Science category, which is selected by the Academy; and a Webby People’s Voice Award, voted on by the online public. The Webby Awards are the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet and are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). The Webbys have been hailed as the “internet’s highest honor” by the New York Times and is considered “the Oscars of the internet.”
It’s an Ocean World was launched in late 2025 as part of WHOI’s Campaign for Our Ocean Planet, the largest campaign ever undertaken for ocean science. This dynamic, interactive web experience challenges how we see our planet—revealing the ocean as a single, connected system of hidden wonders that shapes climate, life, and our future.
Built around the Spilhaus Projection, developed by WHOI oceanographer Athelstan Spilhaus, this experience reimagines the global oceans as a single, interconnected body, emphasizing the 71% of the planet covered by water. Through animated sequences and multimedia storytelling—from the global ocean conveyor and mid-ocean ridge to the poles, the ocean’s twilight zone, and vast phytoplankton blooms—users explore hidden wonders revealed through ocean science.
“The recognition of It’s an Ocean World reflects the power of combining science, storytelling, and digital technology to transform how people understand our planet,” said Danielle Fino, Chief Communications Officer at WHOI. “When you see the ocean as one connected system, you begin to understand its true influence and importance, and why it matters to us all.”
The web experience was developed through a cross-functional effort at WHOI, integrating ocean science, advanced data, visualization, multimedia storytelling, and interactive design, with Spilhaus and other map projections made possible by ESRI.
“Nominees like WHOI are raising the bar for creativity and innovation on the Internet,” said Nick Borenstein, General Manager of The Webby Awards. “At the 30th Annual Webby Awards, this recognition feels especially meaningful. It’s no small feat to stand out among 13,000 entries, and this year’s work reflects the energy, originality, and ambition shaping the Internet right now.”’
Voting for the Webby People’s Voice Award is open now through Thursday, April 16, 11:59 pm PDT.
Winners will be announced on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
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About Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is a private, non-profit organization on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, dedicated to marine research, engineering, and higher education. Established in 1930, its mission is to understand the ocean and its interactions with the Earth as a whole, and to communicate an understanding of the ocean’s role in the changing global environment. WHOI’s pioneering discoveries stem from an ideal combination of science and engineering—one that has made it one of the most trusted and technically advanced leaders in fundamental and applied ocean research and exploration anywhere. WHOI is known for its multidisciplinary approach, superior ship operations, and unparalleled deep-sea robotics capabilities. We play a leading role in ocean observation and operate the most extensive suite of ocean data-gathering platforms in the world. Top scientists, engineers, and students collaborate on more than 800 concurrent projects worldwide—both above and below the waves—pushing the boundaries of knowledge to inform people and policies for a healthier planet. Learn more at whoi.edu.
About The Webby Awards
Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites and Mobile Sites; Video; Advertising, Media & PR; Apps & Software; Social; Games; Podcasts; Creators and AI. Established in 1996, The Webby Awards received over 13,000 entries from all 50 states and over 70 countries worldwide this year. The Webby Awards are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include Adobe, WP Engine, Meltwater, Patreon, NAACP, KPMG, Wall Street Journal, Deadline, AdAge, TechCrunch, The Hollywood Reporter, SXSW, Scalable, and The Society of Digital Agencies.