Danny’s delight at national marine award shortlisting

A deep commitment to sustainable ocean management led to the Council’s Danny Morris being shortlisted for the Ocean and Coastal Futures Bob Earll Award 2025. 

The Coastal Futures conference – the largest marine and coastal management conference in the UK founded by Bob Earll – took place in the Royal Geographical Society in London on Wednesday and Thursday 29-30 January. The award winner was announced as Ffion Mitchell-Langford, of the Marine Conservation Society, with Danny one of five high calibre runners-up. 

This year’s award was specifically for those making an impact within the coastal and marine profession early in their careers and showing great potential. 

OIC Marine Planning Team Manager, James Green, who nominated Danny, said: “It was a major achievement to be shortlisted for this UK level award and is a great acknowledgement of Danny’s career so far and the major contribution he has made to marine planning and management both in the UK and internationally.” 

Danny joined Orkney Islands Council in 2021 as a Graduate Marine Planner and has played a leading role in the development of the Orkney Islands Marine Planning Partnership and the preparation of the Orkney Islands Regional Marine Plan. 

In 2023, Danny was promoted to Marine Planner and has demonstrated exceptional commitment and drive to take forward a pioneering process of local statutory marine planning and management in Orkney. 

From young children to royalty Danny works to support everyone’s understanding of marine planning and ocean management. 

Mr Green added: “Danny has helped establish collaborative governance to deliver marine planning in Orkney by setting up and running the Orkney Marine Planning Advisory Group. This is a multi-interest stakeholder forum that assists the Council to prepare our marine plan. 

“Danny led the development of the Orkney Islands Marine Region: Finfish Farming Spatial Guidance. This is the most advanced spatial guidance for finfish farming in the UK and goes significantly beyond existing practice. 

“He has proactively engaged hundreds of children in local schools and youth groups to support their understanding of marine planning/ocean management and was nominated by the Scottish Government Marine Directorate to attend the Royal Garden Party at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, on 2 July 2024 to acknowledge his services to marine planning in Scotland.” 

Danny said: “I’ve always cared about making marine planning accessible to communities and businesses and having what I have achieved so far being recognised, in front of so many and in such a historic venue, means a huge amount. 

“I feel very lucky to work in a field that is not only incredibly important but also so personally rewarding. Much of what I have achieved has only been possible thanks to the amazing people around me, who have supported and inspired me along the way - from friends and family to colleagues and mentors. You’re all amazing!”