Councillors explain why they are backing Motion for the Ocean and why your voice matters in the fight for cleaner waters.
Local councils have a vital role to play in protecting the UK’s seas and rivers — but they need to hear from their communities to take action. Councillors from across the country share why they championed Motion for the Ocean and how public support can drive change.
Cllr Emma Oldham, Newark & Sherwood Town Council
Hearing directly from residents about their concerns over the state of our local waterways, whether through emails, social media or creative campaigns across the district, sent a clear message to me: helping tackle water pollution is important to residents and must become a priority. The more residents raise their environmental concerns, the more weight these issues carry when we set strategic frameworks, shape community plans and allocate budgets and resources. Never underestimate the power of communication with your elected representatives. Your voice can drive and inspire real action.
Watch local Councillor Emma Oldham (Newark & Sherwood District Council) explain why councils need to hear from you!
© Cllr Georgina Fuller
Cllr Georgina Fuller, Seaham Town Council
Having been a scuba diver and a member of East Durham Divers for many years, I have seen the damage to the oceans first hand. When I was introduced to the Motion for the Ocean, I knew it was something our Town Council should be part of, and I could support the motion from within making it meaningful because I have my marine background. Since Seaham Town Council took on the Motion For the Ocean pledge, our community have commented that, “the council have noticeably made environmentally positive changes in Seaham”. Together we can make a change to our water quality, but first we must listen to the voices of our community and gather momentum with their support.
In February 2025, Seaham Town Council was Highly Recommended in the Environmental Community Action category of the County Durham Environment Awards. Huge congratulations to them!
© South Tyneside Council
Cllr Ernest Gibson, South Tyneside Council
South Tyneside Council was the first council in the north of England to pass a Motion for the Ocean in early 2022. I proposed the Motion for the Ocean because the ocean is an important part of our heritage and its health is essential for our local communities and economy. It is important for local residents to contact their elected representatives about environmental issues because it helps us demonstrate that this is a priority for them. I encourage anyone who is concerned over environmental issues to contact their local councillor, particularly about the Motion for the Ocean. It has had great benefits within our council and in our local area and I encourage all councils to consider it.
© Cllr Claire Hunt
Cllr Claire Hunt, Worthing Borough Council
In my ward, residents made it clear to me that tackling pollution of our precious sea is one of their top priorities and the enthusiasm of local people for projects like Sussex Kelp Recovery, Sussex Underwater and Sussex Bay send a clear message to elected representatives that residents want to see ocean recovery. It's why I proposed a Motion for the Ocean, which got unanimous, cross-party support. Elected Members in Worthing committed to encouraging ocean literacy and ocean citizenship, which absolutely means that people that have a relationship with the sea - bathers, beach-strollers, citizen scientists, fishers, divers, paddlers, surfers and appreciators - should always raise environmental concerns with us and push us to do more.
