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Motion · S6M-17351 · 25 Apr 2025

Celebrating 30 Years of COAST and Marine Protection on Arran

Lodged by Kenneth Gibson (No Party Affiliation) Standard Motion 23 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament congratulates the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) on its 30th anniversary; acknowledges that COAST was founded in 1995 by local residents determined to protect the marine environment around the Isle of Arran; celebrates what it sees as the remarkable achievements of the organisation over the past three decades, including the establishment of Scotland’s first no-take zone in Lamlash Bay and the designation of the South Arran Marine Protected Area; understands that these protections have resulted in a doubling of marine species in the area and the discovery of 81 new species in 2024 alone through citizen science efforts; applauds what it sees as the vital role that COAST has played in community-led action, inspiring other coastal communities across Scotland and contributing to the formation of the Coastal Communities Network; recognises COAST’s work in marine education, public engagement, research and tourism; commends the organisation’s continued innovation, including the upcoming “Communities and the Sea” project and its advocacy for stronger marine protections and responsible management; recognises the achievements of former chair, Howard Wood OBE, who received the Goldman Environmental Prize in April 2015 for his work with COAST and was also awarded an OBE for services to the marine environment that year; understands that Howard’s achievements went on to feature in an episode of the TV mini-series, The New Environmentalists, narrated by Robert Redford, and wishes everyone involved in COAST a joyful and well-deserved 30th anniversary celebration on Arran from 15 to 17 August 2025, as they look ahead to the next 30 years of ocean recovery in the waters around Arran. 

Supporters (23)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.