Mr Happy even happier: Howard awarded OBE

It has been quite an eventful few months for COAST chair, Howard Wood. Following on from the Goldman Environmental Prize he then featured in the Independent on Sunday’s Happy List. An anonymous person kindly sent Howard a tee shirt which says it all!!

Then, COAST was delighted and proud to hear that Howard had received an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Howard says, “It is a tremendous honour which would not have been possible without the hard work and effort of all the many, many colleagues and people who have been involved with COAST over the years and also the continuing support of the local community and farther afield. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support and for their good wishes, often relayed via my wife, Lesley, who says I have no choice but to buy her a new outfit!

The recognition of the importance of the Marine Environment, by the establishment, is heartening and hopefully will further the objectives of COAST. It is also encouraging, that the voices of local communities are beginning to be listened to. After many years of frustratingly slow progress, we are now starting to see the Scottish Government make constructive changes and accept that they are managing the seas for everyone. This award strengthens the resolve to work towards achieving a healthy marine ecosystem which is properly managed and creating sustainable fisheries for future generations.”