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Howard L Wood OBE

@howardlwood.bsky.social
405 followers 479 following 140 posts

For 30 years I've been a community marine campaigner. A recent 2024 resume of what I & our island community have achieved so far. www.goldmanprize.org/blog/prize-win…

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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Howard & Don discuss why in their opinion The Scottish Government's Marine protection & ultimately recovery have moved at a snails pace for a decade. Can @johnswinney.bsky.social Gov get its act together. youtu.be/6n-ug1giCJc?...
youtu.be
Howard & Don discuss the snail's pace of the Scottish Government's commitments to marine recovery.
YouTube video by The Incoming Tide
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
'Ignoring nature is no longer an option': New guidance aims to help place nature on board agendas www.businessgreen.com/news/4535359...
businessgreen.com
'Ignoring nature is no longer an option': New guidance aims to help place nature on board agendas
New guide from ISEP and Aldersgate Group urges business leaders to consider the decline of the natural environment as a material financial risk
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The National @scotnational.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Immigration raids saw nine people arrested for working illegally on Scottish fishing vessels, the UK Government has announced
thenational.scot
Nine arrests after Home Office immigration raids on Scottish fishing boats
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Environmental Standards Scotland concludes that this is not simply because marine recovery is difficult or takes time. It finds that Scottish Ministers have failed to effectively implement the things they said they would. @johnswinney.bsky.social www.scottishlegal.com/articles/sco...
scottishlegal.com
Phil Taylor: Scottish ministers failing in legal duty to protect seabed
Scotland’s seabed is six times the size of our land – supporting biodiversity, jobs and climate resilience. Yet, as a new report from Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) has found, Scot...
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Aruna Chandrasekhar @arunacsekhar.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
💵 This was supposed to be “at least $20bn per year” by 2025 in finance for conservation. This is where we’re at now.
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Oceana UK @oceanauk.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
The evidence is undeniable: bottom trawling is inherently destructive and has NO PLACE in areas that should be ocean sanctuaries for wildlife 📢 Ban #BottomTrawling in marine protected areas! Agree? Tell the government how you feel here: banbottomtrawling.oceanauk.justpost.cards?utm_source=b... ✊
banbottomtrawling.oceanauk.justpost.cards
Tell the UK Government to Ban Bottom Trawling in Protected Waters
Help us kick bottom trawling out of UK marine protected areas for good by sending a message directly to the people in power. Act now to save our seas!
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Oceana UK @oceanauk.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
🚨 The impacts of bottom trawling can persist for decades, new research shows More than 25 years after destructive bottom trawling ended in an area off Chile, scientists are still finding lower coral cover & reduced biodiversity 🪸 @oceanachile.bsky.social oceanographicmagazine.com/news/chiles-... 🔽
oceanographicmagazine.com
Chile's seamounts are still damaged, decades after trawling ended - Oceanographic
Study of Juan Fernández seamounts finds bottom trawling's damage to deep-sea coral ecosystems persists more than 25 years after fishing ends.
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My Zero Carbon #ClimateAction @myzerocarbon.org · 29/06/2026
🎥 How healthy ecosystems can protect small islands from #ClimateChange We need to take #ClimateAction to protect the most vulnerable nations & communities! More📖 www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/w... PL RP🩷💚💙 graph from: 'Climate Change 2022-Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability' @ipcc.bsky.social #Video
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Neil Mackay @neilmackay.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Wildfires sweep Scotland, even the very centre of Edinburgh, yet political debate is dominated by calls for more oil and gas from the North Sea. It’s insanity - because more drilling won’t lower prices. That claim is a lie. We’re like Nero fiddling while Rome burns In @heraldscotland.bsky.social
heraldscotland.com
Drill, baby, drill: We’re like Nero fiddling while Arthur’s Seat burns
Wildfires sweep Scotland yet the political debate is all about extracting more oil and gas. It’s a total delusion, and believing it is an act of…
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
We have proven solutions to recover our inshore waters, surely to time @johnswinney.bsky.social @jimfairliesnp.bsky.social started listening. www.thetimes.com/article/9a4b...
thetimes.com
Two friends won a ban on trawling. Now, this bay teems with life
For 40 years a pair of divers fought to outlaw damaging fishing off Arran in Scotland. Their perseverance has let to a threefold increase in marine species
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
While Burnham clearly doesn't have a clue about Scotland. The last decade of @thesnpmedia.bsky.social has seen increased centralised decision making. Ignoring the basic principles of the Community Empowerment act. @johnswinney.bsky.social www.thenational.scot/politics/262...
thenational.scot
The SNP’s opportunism is naked when it comes to Andy Burnham’s decentralising agenda
Enjoying our newsletters? Subscribe to The National for just £1 for 3 months at thenational.scot/subscribe
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
The @snp.org Government's continued support for Maggie Thatcher's Tory abolition of the 3-mile limit in 1985. This measure opened up our inshore waters, destroying nursery habitat and ultimately resulting in an 88% reduction in inshore fishing boats. #Inshorelimit = Economic Recovery
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
Very true, we are told by @johnswinney.bsky.social Gov & @naturescot.bsky.social marine policy will be evidence led. Its NOT. over 87% of peer reviewed evidence is ignored as it doesn't suit there lobbyists agenda.
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The Wildlife Trust SW Wales Swansea Group @wtswwswanseagroup.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
bsky.app/profile/wate...
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Check out Don & my latest podcast when we discus with Rob Gibson his links to #Arran & his years as a MSP
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
60 nations agree plan to phase out fossil fuels, looks like COPs failure to exclude fosil lobbyists is being overtaken by wide range of responsible nations getting on with it. www.businessgreen.com/news/4529034...
businessgreen.com
'The time is now': Santa Marta Conference closes with pledge to deliver new wave of fossil fuel transition roadmaps
Inaugural Conference on Transitioning Away From Fossil Fuels advances plans for national and regional roadmaps, as Tuvalu and Ireland agree to co-host next summit
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Yep will do, if you commit to reversing #Thatcher,s abolishing of the 3 mile limit. @thesnpmedia.bsky.social #Inshorelimit
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
www.businessgreen.com/news-analysi...
businessgreen.com
How bottom trawling could land Europe with up to €16bn in environmental costs
New study claims net costs to society from destructive fishing practice are 90 times greater than the €180m in annual profits generated for the industry
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
As we approach Sir David Attenborough's 100th Birthday, last year the SFF called his message (to only allow low-impact fishing within Scotland's MPAs) "PROPAGANDA" @johnswinney.bsky.social CabSecs Gudgeon & @gillianamartin.bsky.social dropped MPA management promised for 10 years. RegulatorCapture
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Odran Corcoran @ocorcoran.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
The Commission’s latest maritime spatial planning report is clear: The problem isn’t nature laws, it’s implementation. -Ecosystem rules mostly stay on paper, -nature goals rarely shape plans Just afterthoughts Weakening laws won’t fix this,delivery will. #OceanAct Extract👇
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
. @naturescot.bsky.social is investing over £250 million in peat bog restoration, BUT £Zero into marine mud protection, which will give up to 18x better carbon returns. @johnswinney.bsky.social news.stv.tv/scotland/wil...
news.stv.tv
Wildlife in muddy seabeds ‘doubles’ when trawling is halted, study shows
The study focused on the South Arran marine protected area off the Isle of Arran.
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
The management of our inshore waters is fully devolved, they once were an extremely important resource for Scotland. BUT its management is the worst in Northern Europe. Refusal to use fisheries spatial measures, & Scallop Dredging allowed in 87% of #Scotlands MPAs @johnswinney.bsky.social
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
Will @thesnpmedia.bsky.social address the worst inshore fisheries management in northern Europe ? Time to really support our inshore fishers and the environment they depend upon by finally keeping the commitment from a decade ago. @johnswinney.bsky.social Its an economic no-brainer.
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Yep terrestrial. Pity about the Marine Directorate & NatureScot failure to achieve proper managed MPAs & MD Compliance woefully track record. Happy to provide reams of evidence.
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Very well deserved, Sarah & her colleagues @wealdactiongroup.bsky.social have truly shown what grassroots activists can achieve.
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Sarah Finch @sarahfinch.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Very proud to see my new friend and fellow @goldmanprize.bsky.social winner Theonila Roka Matbob at the Metro station! Theonila forced Rio Tinto to begin to address the devastation caused by its long abandoned Panguna mine in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. www.goldmanprize.org/recipient/th...
Illuminated poster at a Metro station featuring Goldman Prize winner Theonila Roka Matbob
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Poll: Almost half of UK firms view climate scepticism as a financial and economic threat www.businessgreen.com/news/4528251...
businessgreen.com
Poll: Almost half of UK firms view climate scepticism as a financial and economic threat
Majority of UK business leaders have changed how they promote planet-positive actions in response to net zero backlash, BSI finds
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
I vote for devolution & Decentralised decision making, Using both Community Empowerment Act & Islands Act to in future make sure unaccountable officials can't make decisions they have ZERO understanding of the consequence of @johnswinney.bsky.social www.westcoasttoday.co.uk/news/islande...
westcoasttoday.co.uk
Islanders left high and dry as both Brodick boats break down
Ferry services to Brodick have been cancelled as both of the boats serving the route from Troon and Ardrossan have broken down due to problems with their port main engines.
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Arranites are hoping for a FERRY that actually works.
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Or even a FERRY that actually works #ArranFerryChaos
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
My priority is having a FERRY that actually works.
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
100% support the Scottish NHS, it's just that most of my important appointments have to be cancelled due to NO ferry from Arran to Ayrshire. A consultant appointment can take 3-4 days, travelling + overnight accommodation for the 16 miles. @snp.org @theferret.scot @scotnational.bsky.social
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Another day of CALMAC CMAL incompetence which has killed Arrans economy Surely time for @johnswinney.bsky.social @snp.org to open up Arran ferry route to Western Ferries and Pentland Ferries. @bbcnewsnight.bsky.social @scotnational.bsky.social
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Mongabay @mongabay.com · 18/03/2026
[Founder's Briefs] Governments spend $35 billion annually on fisheries subsidies. Research suggests many high-seas fisheries would be unprofitable without public support. New @wto.org agreements aim to end support for illegal fishing and depleted stocks. By @rhettayersbutler.bsky.social.
mongabay.cc
The hidden cost of fisheries subsidies
In public finance, some costs are politely kept off the books. The ocean has long been one of them. Governments often speak of “blue growth” and “sustainable use,” yet many policies still treat…
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Another day of zero ferries till afternoon. Its no wonder many people & small businesses are leaving. @johnswinney.bsky.social response last week was inaccurate & woefully. Time to end the CalMac monopoly
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
, @neilmackay.bsky.social is spot on with his assessment of MSPs vote on assisted Dying Act. With 80% of Scottish public in favour, lots of people my age extremely angry at politicians not representing voters. www.heraldscotland.com/newsletters/...
heraldscotland.com
Newsletters On The Heraldscotland
Newsletters On The Heraldscotland
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Many people have been waiting a decade for V2G to get wider rollout. www.businessgreen.com/news/4526906...
businessgreen.com
UK Power Networks and Octopus Energy team up to fast-track Vehicle-to-Grid deployment
Partners launch UK's first instant-approval process for connecting Vehicle-to-Grid chargers, in bid to speed up rollout of technologies that turn electric vehicles into 'mini power stations'
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Time for fishing ind to catch up. www.businessgreen.com/news-analysi...
businessgreen.com
'Not fit to deliver': Why poor seafood traceability could see brands miss out on 'sizeable' financial prize
Research from investor-backed FAIRR initiative warns majority of seafood companies lack robust implementation strategies for their traceability commitments
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
I see Tavish & his PR££ companies are in panic mode, putting out multiple media releases, as even @johnswinney.bsky.social @snp.org now, realising the multinational offshore-controlled industry isn't welcome in the majority of west coast communities. www.heraldscotland.com/news/2584791...
heraldscotland.com
Is Scotland’s salmon industry improving? Here is what the data reveals
A new analysis examines Scotland’s salmon industry, from mortalities and sea lice to jobs, exports and economic impact.
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Scotlands young generation state lost faith in @johnswinney.bsky.social @mairigougeon.bsky.social stagnent marine policy. www.thenational.scot/politics/258...
thenational.scot
Nature protection needs more than words – it must be implemented
At Young Sea Changers Scotland, we’re still reeling from the Government’s latest car crash attempt to protect the marine environment
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
The @ScotParl R&I. Again after 25 years of ineffective @Scotgov @mairigougeon.bsky.social measures, are reviewing Clyde spawning Cod Closure this week. Let's hope they listen to the real science and bring in improved fair measures. @naturescot.bsky.social 2023June juveniles filmed safe in Arran MPA
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 07/12/2025
Imagine someone destroying an entire forest, getting away with a fine equivalent to the price of a used electric bike. Sounds crazy, right? In Scotland due to @mairigougeon.bsky.social incompetent dept, Those found guilty in court profited from thier crime. stiften.dk/debat/vi-ska...
stiften.dk
Vi skal ikke gentage Nordic Waste-skandalen i Aarhus: Straf hårdere, når naturen rammes
På trods af Danmarks mange miljølove er vores natur i alvorligt forfald. Faktisk har Danmark den mindste andel af beskyttet natur i hele EU – et alarmerende faktum, der kalder på handling. Nu.
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
ScotGov Cab-Sec @mairigougeon.bsky.social stated to Holyrood, Scottish fisheries were well regulated! Apparently NOT. Happy to post dozens more examples. www.communitiesforseas.scot/a-win-for-wr...
communitiesforseas.scot
A win for wrasse in Scotland - CCN Scotland
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Howard L Wood OBE @howardlwood.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
Scotland on both Inshore Management & Compliance is decades behind all its neighbours including England. Happy to provide reams of evidence into the #economic mismanagement of a public resource. @mairigougeon.bsky.social @johnswinney.bsky.social @thesnpmedia.bsky.social
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Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
🧵 1/6 I am delighted that my colleagues across the Parliament supported my amendment to ensure that no government can run roughshod over our nature protections. This is a win for nature. This bill www.thenational.scot/news/2565367...
thenational.scot
Blow to SNP as MSPs vote to remove entire section from flagship nature bill
THE SNP Government has been dealt a major blow after MSPs voted to remove an entire section from its flagship nature bill ...
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theincomingtide.bsky.social @theincomingtide.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
Interested in how some of Attenborough's iconic series are filmed and produced? Check out Doug Anderson chatting on "The Incoming Tide" podcast. Full interview is available on both YouTube and Spotify youtu.be/vuCGxShjuGc @arrancoast.bsky.social @ourseas-scot.bsky.social @bluemarinef.bsky.social
youtu.be
Doug Anderson the Multi-Award winning cameraman & film maker features on "The Incoming Tide" podcast
YouTube video by The Incoming Tide
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theincomingtide.bsky.social @theincomingtide.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
Interested in what's going on in Scotland's Inshore Waters, analysed by a selection of people, many with over 40 years of experience. @mairigougeon.bsky.social @naturescot.bsky.social @ourseas-scot.bsky.social Wed 14th new episode with Bally Philp of SCFF www.youtube.com/channel/UCY_...
youtube.com
The Incoming Tide
"Welcome to The Incoming Tide . Two inspiring voices in marine conservation, Howard Wood OBE and Don McNeish, the co-founders of COAST, the Community of Arran Seabed Trust. Explore the power of local ...
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UN Environment Programme @unep.org · 05/10/2025
Education is key to preventing, halting, and reversing the loss of nature. This #WorldTeachersDay, join #GenerationRestoration schools and unlock resources, learning materials, and opportunities to transform your school into a hub for nurturing healthy ecosystems. tinyurl.com/2frpfd5n
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Neil Mackay @neilmackay.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
Trump’s war on science is straight out of the authoritarian playbook. We need a firewall to protect us from America’s malign influence and its descent into state-sponsored stupidity. Idiocy is contagious My @heraldscotland.bsky.social column www.heraldscotland.com/politics/vie...
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theincomingtide.bsky.social @theincomingtide.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
. @jeanlucsolans.bsky.social joins "The Incoming Tide" podcast to discuss Scotland's MPAs, Active restoration versus removing the predominant pressures. England V Scotland's inshore Management. @arrancoast.bsky.social @ourseas-scot.bsky.social @bluemarinef.bsky.social youtu.be/6hSO-S898y4
youtu.be
We are joined by Dr Jean-luc Solandt a leading voice in Marine conservation & recovery.
YouTube video by The Incoming Tide
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