BSAC diver Emily Cunningham has been awarded an MBE in the King's New Year Honours List for services to marine conservation and coastal communities.
Emily, a marine biologist from Staffordshire, has worked at the frontline of ocean conservation for over a decade, both in the UK and overseas. She has led the development of two pioneering coastal conservation projects - securing over £5m in funding, served on the Board of the UK's leading marine conservation organisation, and was named a Global 30 under 30 Environmental Leader in 2020. She previously managed a national dive survey programme which contributed to the designation of Marine Conservation Zones in England.
Emily said:
I learnt to dive with Bangor University Sub-Aqua Club in 2008 and it opened my eyes to the wonders of the underwater world, particularly the amazing life we have in British seas. It was that experience which led me to wanting to protect and conserve UK marine wildlife and I'm truly honoured to be awarded an MBE for my services to marine conservation and coastal communities.
Mary Tetley, BSAC CEO said:
I was delighted to see that Emily has been awarded an MBE for her services to marine conservation and coastal communities. Having learnt to dive with Bangor University Sub-Aqua Club in 2008, Emily is again going to be involved with BSAC this year. We will be working together and launching a project Motion4theOcean with Emily and her hometown diving club, Staffordshire Divers at the Go Diving Show in early March.
Emily will be on the BSAC stand at the show, and we will also be running a workshop with Emily and Staffordshire Divers to launch Motion4theOcean to all BSAC members, so look out for an invitation soon to join this exciting launch which will involve all of our clubs.
Emily continued:
Marine conservation is more than just my job, it has been my life, passion and mission for more than 20 years. It can be a tough and thankless task given the scale of the challenges facing our ocean, so to be recognised in this way means the world!
Emily's work has taken her from Antarctica to the Amazon, but UK seas are still her favourite. She has exciting expeditions and new projects planned for 2025; to learn more or get involved, you can follow her on Instagram and Facebook or visit www.emilycunningham.co.uk
