BSAC has just reached its 70th Marine Champion milestone, with member Kerry Rigg stepping into the role for her club, Burghead SAC.
Launched last August, the Marine Champion initiative aims to establish a volunteer network of Marine Champions who will work within their own clubs to deliver a range of grassroots projects. With Ocean Diver Kerry becoming the 70th Marine Champion to come onboard, the initiative is now establishing itself as a key BSAC environment initiative.
Kerry, a retired Police Officer who learned to dive in 2008 and recently started UK diving with her new BSAC club, said she was delighted to be ‘Marine Champion No.70’.
Kerry said that Burghead SAC had recently been involved in mapping a local seagrass meadow:
This is a real opportunity for me to champion the good work that my club is already doing as well as being able to collaborate with other Marine Champions for ideas about what other conservation activities the club can get involved in.
The role will also help me find my place in the club, being such a new member and, as ‘number 70’, I am excited that there is already such a big Marine Champion network I can lean on!
BSAC CEO Mary Tetley welcomed Kerry to the ever-growing Marine Champion team:
With Kerry our 70th Marine Champion in less than 12 months, we are delighted with how our clubs and members are getting behind this important initiative. Kerry and all our Marine Champions will ensure that BSAC continues to inspire responsible ocean activities that bring about positive change.
Kerry brings a wealth of experience to her new role as Burghead SAC’s Marine Champion, having volunteered both in the UK and around the world on conservation projects, including a turtle protection initiative. Most recently, she has taken part in citizen science and seagrass restoration projects along the Moray coastline.
As she gets into the stride of her new club role, Kerry hopes that more BSAC members will follow in her footsteps and become a Marine Champion. Kerry added:
I think this is such an important role for any BSAC club. I appreciate just how beautiful and unique our Moray coast of Scotland is and to be able to play a small role as a BSAC Marine Champion in protecting that gives me a real sense of purpose and pride.
Katherine Knight, BSAC Chair of Environment and Sustainability said:
I am delighted to welcome Kerry as BSAC’s 70th Marine Champion. It is fabulous to see the network growing, with Marine Champions making a difference in clubs across the country. A huge thank you to all of the Marine Champions for the great work that they are doing within their clubs and beyond. Together you are making a real impact!
For more information about becoming a BSAC Marine Champion for your club, go to www.bsac.com/marinechampions
