Motion for the Ocean

Calling all Councillors and Local Government Officers!

The LGA Coastal SIG supports the Motion for the Ocean initiative, developed by ocean experts Emily Cunningham, Dr Pamela Buchan (University of Exeter) and Nicola Bridge (Ocean Conservation Trust) to co-develop a model Motion for the Ocean.

This is in recognition that our ocean and climate are in a state of emergency, that the communities we serve are on the frontline, and that local government has an essential and urgent part to play in tackling these interconnected crises.

Many local authorities have already declared a climate emergency; yet the ocean is missing from many of our climate action plans. As we reflect on the outcomes of COP26, one message from the UK government stands out for all of us working at the coast:

“A healthy ocean is an essential ally in our fight against climate change”.

The UK government’s recent Marine Strategy assessment confirms that our marine environment is not healthy. An ocean in crisis is not only bad news for our climate, but also for our fishing industry, aquaculture industry, tourism industry and for the health, wellbeing and prosperity of our coastal communities. Ocean recovery would yield new jobs and opportunities, more resilient coastal economies, and happier, heathier people.

Local government can’t fix the ocean crisis alone. But we do need to play our part.

The wording for the motion is long, because for many people this is a new way of thinking. But its goals are simple. This model Motion for the Ocean has been developed to help local authorities play their part in realising a clean, healthy and productive ocean and all of the direct economic, health and wellbeing benefits it will bring. It also helps local authorities communicate the same evidence-based asks around ocean recovery directly to central government – ensuring a louder united voice.

The model motion should be considered as a template to be adapted to local circumstances. By clicking on the map icons for each council, you will be directed to their motion (where available).

The following councils have declared an urgent need for ocean recovery using a locally adapted motion for the ocean, please click on “Motion” to be directed to their Motion information or click on the tabs on the map:

We hope others will soon follow in tabling a Motion for the Ocean at their own Councils.