SCUBAHUB
Scottish Borders pass their Motion for the Ocean
SCOTTISH BORDERS COUNCIL HAS voted unanimously to pass a Motion for the Ocean – and take action for cleaner, healthier rivers and seas.
Since 2025, BSAC has backed the UK-wide Motion for the Ocean initiative, which encourages people to contact their local councillors and call for a council-wide commitment to cleaner waters.
Following the success of The City of Edinburgh, Scottish Borders Council’ s Motion for the Ocean is the second council take the commitment in Scotland. More than 40 UK councils have passed a Motion for the Ocean since the initiative was launched in 2021.
Scottish Borders’ commitment comes after BSAC Marine Champion and Divetech club member Joanne Topalian contacted
Tweeddale West Councillor Drummond Begg to see if he would table the motion.
With the area famous for diving such as St Abbs and Eyemouth, it was, said Joanne, a case of‘ why would I not do this?’“ It was such an easy and straightforward process. I was lucky in that Drummond was enthusiastic from the start.”
Over six months, Cllr Begg met with Scottish Borders Council officers and key stakeholders to outline the motion and listen to their views. Scottish Borders Council unanimously passed their Motion for the Ocean in March.“ We now need to build on the consensus that looking after such an iconic river as the River Tweed is an important thing and that our seas and oceans’ health matter to us all,” Cllr Begg added.
Emily Cunningham MBE, marine biologist and co-founder of the Motion for the Ocean initiative, said she was delighted by this latest success.
“ As the latest to pass a Motion for the Ocean, Scottish Borders Council has shown real environmental leadership in recognising just how connected we all are to our ocean. This is a brilliant result, and I hope more councils will follow.”
For more information on Motion for the Ocean and to get involved, go to bsac. com / M4TO
M4TO co-founder’ s rallying call
MOTION FOR THE OCEAN CO-FOUNDER, EMILY Cunningham MBE, has announced her first-ever book, Our Ocean to Save.
Written in response to a growing call for practical, everyday ways to help protect our seas and oceans, marine biologist Emily said she hoped that her new book will help to fill the gap between‘ interest’ and action.
Emily, who learnt to dive with Bangor University SAC in 2008, has more than 15 years of experience at the frontline of ocean conservation.“ I hope that this book will help others find the enjoyment and fulfilment that comes with helping the ocean. Because helping the ocean isn’ t just altruistic, it’ s our way of protecting our life-support system. It’ s a win-win!”
Our Ocean to Save by Emily Cunningham can be pre-ordered at www. panmacmillan. com / authors / emily-cunningham / our-ocean-to-save / 9781035065271
Benefit of the Month
Regional support for clubs and members
WITH 14 REGIONAL COACHING Teams around the UK, plus two overseas, as a BSAC member you have a ready-made support network for whenever you need it.
Led by a Regional Coach, each BSAC region is made up of a team of experienced and dedicated volunteers who want to see you and your club thrive. Here are just some of the ways the BSAC regional teams can help you.
Regular regional training days and events – we can provide tailored training to support clubs and members. There’ s something for everyone, from SDCs to focused training days to help progress diving grades. If you can’ t find a specific SDC or training event near to you, or your club has additional training support needs, then your regional team can stage events on request. Support with in-house Skill Development Courses( SDCs)- your regional team can assist or facilitate SDCs within your club if you don’ t have enough instructors. Better still, these events can be shared with nearby clubs to make the most of the training opportunity while bringing clubs together. Instructor development opportunities- your Regional Team can support your personal journey to become a BSAC instructor, which can include time helping on regional events for those suitably qualified. Expert advice- occasionally, your club may need extra guidance on how to get the most out of BSAC training or ensure support for its membership. You can find out just how they can help you and your members and discuss any specific areas by contacting your Regional Coach directly.
So, if you haven’ t already, now’ s the time to get to know your Regional Coach. You can find your regional team at bsac. com / regions
For more details on the full range of benefits you can access as a BSAC member go to bsac. com / benefits
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