Agenda item

The Ocean Conservation Trust want to support local and national governments to take action to improve ocean health. A model ‘Ocean Recovery Declaration’ – or Motion for the Ocean – seeks to help all local governments recognise that the world’s Ocean is a fundamental part of climate regulation and that it must be considered as part of an effective climate emergency response.

Grace Clifford (Ocean Conservation Trust) gave a presentation on the Ocean Conservation Trust, a charity dedicated to resorting and protecting the ocean through people centred, positive action. The charity’s funding primarily came from ticket sales, gift aid, and donations. Her slides covered key topics such as ocean literacy, the charity’s programmes, promoting ocean access, ocean advocacy and marine citizenship. She also provided an overview of the local government model for the “Motion for the Ocean” proposal for the Council to sign. She explained that this model bought together local communities and government leaders, with the aim of driving change at a national level through local council support. Additionally, she shared examples of how various councils had successfully implemented the “Motion for the Ocean” model.

The Chair thanked Grace Clifford for her presentation and noted that virtual reality (VR) headsets would be available after the meeting for anyone interested in experiencing the “under the ocean” VR journey. She highlighted that the River Thames, which ran through the borough, was increasingly polluted, emphasising that its protection and restoration were key priorities for the Council. She expressed her support for advancing the “Motion for the Ocean” to Full Council and opened the floor to any questions.

Councillor Stala Antoniades thanked Grace Clifford for her engaging and inspiring presentation and enquired about any proactive measures the council could adopt to support the motion. In response Grace Clifford (Ocean Conservation Trust) responded by encouraging participation in the ‘Think Ocean Challenge” a series of small actions and micro habits that could be developed over time. She provided examples such as switching to sustainable energy providers, reducing plastic usage, opting for environmentally responsible banking, engaging in litter picking and choosing to walk instead of driving. These small efforts would collectively contribute to the objectives of the motion.

A resident enquired about the impact of animal agriculture on the ocean and whether the ‘Think Ocean Challenge’ addressed dietary influence. In response Grace Clifford (Ocean Conservation Trust) noted that whilst animal agriculture was not a primary focus for the charity at this time, they were open to collaborating with stakeholders from various sectors to explore its connection to Ocean health. She also mentioned that the ‘Think Ocean Challenge’ included guidance in reducing meat consumption and making more sustainable dietary choices.

A resident observed that the Council was already engaged in several initiatives related to the motion. She suggested that the Council could further enhance its efforts by engaging and facilitating local voluntary groups or organisations to participate in litter picking. Additionally, she recommended that if the Council agreed to support this motion, it should explore further opportunities to implement new initiatives and raise awareness of existing policies related to this cause.

Councillor Laura Janes asked what additional actions the Council could take to enhance the motion’s impact within the borough. Clifford (Ocean Conservation Trust) suggested that committing to and engaging with Fulham Reach Boat Club regarding sewage issues would be beneficial. She also emphasised the importance of working with communities to understand their needs and priorities. In additional she also highlighted the importance of applying pressure on national government where necessary and setting funding related targets. She also committed to circulating key highlights to the Committee after the meeting.

Action: Grace Clifford

Members noted that they were collectively in favour of presenting the motion to full council as soon as possible, subject to further work being carried out around its wording.

RESOLVED:

That the Climate Change and Ecology Policy and Accountability Committee recommended an H&F specific ‘Motion for the Ocean’, based on the model motion in Appendix 1 and including the pledges within the report, be submitted to Full Council for approval at the next available meeting.