. Howard Wood was the leader of a campaign to establish Scotland’s first marine protected area. This gave locals the opportunity to speak out in a discussion that has long been controlled by commercial fishermen. He received the Goldman Environmental Prize internationally, which is one the most prestigious grassroots environmental awards. Wood is the chairman and cofounder of Community of Arran Seabed Trust. He has been honored for his efforts in promoting sustainable management of Arran’s waters. The first award of the Goldman Environmental Prize to Scotland has been given, while the UK’s second recipient is a British citizen. Wood was recognized for his work in protecting the marine environment. Image: goldmanprize.org. Mr. Wood moved from the UK to Arran as a young man and witnessed the negative effects of dredging in the marine environment. He founded the Trust in 1995, with Don MacNeish, to promote sustainable management of the marine resources to the benefit of everyone. COAST is now a two-person organization. It started as a volunteer group. Wood stated that he was delighted to receive the award. “This is a global recognition of everything that the community of marine volunteer on Arran has been working on for so many years.” The ongoing campaign COAST has opposed the destruction of marine life around Arran and the use of bottom trawling. Bottom trawling involves dragging a fishing line along the ocean floor. Scallop dredging refers to the towing and transporting a scallop drag (a tool) across the sea bottom. In 2008, the COAST established a No Take Zone at Lamash Bay. The Scottish Government proposed that a significant area of the sea surrounding the southern end of Arran be designated 30 MPAs. Volunteers and staff of COAST. (Image: Arrancoast.com). Mr. Wood states that the organization still has to ensure South Arran MPA is protected and also wants to improve management of the marine life in the entire Firth of Clyde. COAST has launched an Avaaz petition to the Scottish Government, asking them not to allow bottom trawling and dredging in their MPAs. Wood stated that the Scottish Government had a responsibility to protect the environment and give communities control over its management. “The NTZ is recovering, and the MPA is expected to help restore important marine species and fish nursery habitats.” Video by Howard Wood 2015. The Goldman Environmental Prize. This background Howard Wood video is presented by Robert Redford.
