Lesley’s Accolades
- Fellow The Explorers Club (2019)
- PADI AmbassaDiver (2018)
- Johnnie Walker & Sunday Times Nation’s Greatest Awards: WINNER in ‘The Nation’s Greatest Challenger’ category 2013
- Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government Awards: Finalist in non-profit sector 2013
- Mail & Guardian Book of Women: 1 of 50 women featured 2013
- Oprah Magazine: 1 of 16 women chosen internationally for ‘Women of Authentic Power’ 2013
- Global Oceans Society: Inductee (2013)
- Women Divers Hall of Fame: Inductee (2010)
Production Awards
Rethink the Shark
- Wildscreen 2008 – Panda Award & PSA/Campaign award
- Jackson Hole Film Festival 2009 – Winner Campaign Award
- Interfilm Berlin 2009 – Viral Video Award • Montana 2009 – Best of Category in the Non Broadcast Program Category
- Missoula 2009 – Best of Category in advertising/PSA/Promo
- Fastnet Short Film Festival – Special Mention
Sharks in Deep Trouble
- Montana Cine International Film Festival 2008 – Conservation Message Award
- 32 International Wildlife Film Festival 2009 -Honorary Conservation Message Award
- 32 International Wildlife Film Festival 2009 – Honorary Investigative Journalism Award
- Celebrate the Sea Festival 2009 – Outstanding Achievement Award
- 36th World Festival of Underwater Pictures 2009 – Conservation Message Award
- 36th World Festival of Underwater Pictures 2009 – Best Information Film Award, Cat A
- Beneath the Waves Film Festival 2010 – Best of Festival Award
Save Our Sharks
- Wildscreen 2010 – Panda Award (original producer, scriptwriter and editor, original concept.
Photography Awards
Getaway Award
Fuji Photographic Awards Winner
Fuji Photographic Awards 1st Runner up Epson Underwater Category
Fuji Photographic Awards Certificate Epson Underwater Category
Fuji Photographic Awards Certificate Epson Underwater Category