A total of 88 books have been shortlisted for the fifth Yantian Ocean Book Awards, as announced at an event marking this year’s World Oceans Day, observed on June 8.

Held on June 6 at the Bay Area Store of Shenzhen Book City — also known as the "Eyes of the GBA" — in Bao’an District, the event aimed to promote science literacy and raise public awareness of ocean protection.

Participants at an ocean-themed event organized by Yantian's authorities at the "Eyes of the GBA" bookstore in Bao'an on June 6. File photos

Focusing on ocean-themed publications, the awards seek to encourage reading and learning about marine culture and science, while advocating marine environmental conservation.

Launched in 2021, the awards recognize ocean-themed books that are insightful, forward-looking, scientifically rigorous, and widely influential.

During the event, organizers introduced the origins and selection process of the awards. The jury comprises experts and scholars in fields such as marine culture, world history, the history of science, political economy, geography, and publishing.

The jury evaluates the books based on their themes, accuracy, literary quality, and readability, and selects 88 shortlisted titles, 33 outstanding books, and eight award winners.

A total of 88 books have been shortlisted for the Yantian Ocean Book Awards.

This year’s eight awards — including the Lighthouse Award, the Wave Award, the Original Chinese Book Award, and the Ocean Literature Award — will recognize works in marine research, literature, science popularization, and other categories.

Under the annual theme "Curiosity Leads to Ocean Conservation," the fifth edition began accepting submissions on April 23, this year’s World Book Day.

The organizers believe that humanity’s curiosity is key to better understanding and protecting the ocean. Rather than viewing the ocean merely as a source of resources or scenery, people need to rekindle their spiritual connection to it. Curiosity guides us to explore life in the intertidal zone, marvel at creatures in the deep sea, and decode the hidden links between seawater and the Earth’s ecology. A key criterion for selecting award winners is whether a book demonstrates a genuine, deep desire to bring the ocean’s sublimity and mystery back into public view.

Crowds are seen at the event.

In total, over 120 works were recommended by more than 50 publishing houses, press organizations, public welfare groups, experts, and readers nationwide. The shortlisted works include original writings, high-quality translations, research works, popular reads, and more. Their content spans ocean history, folk culture, natural science, and literature.

Ge Jianxiong, a jury member, remarked: "For Yantian, the significance of the awards has far transcended culture and publishing. Hopefully in the future, the event can also generate cultural and creative products and commercial activities, fostering a positive interaction between culture and the economy."

Children play interactive games at the event.

Across the previous four editions, a total of 352 books have been shortlisted and 30 award-winning titles have been selected.

This year’s winners will be announced in November, during Shenzhen’s Reading Month.