Broadcaster David Attenborough praised for influence on his 99th birthday

Veteran broadcaster Sir David Attenborough has been hailed at Holyrood for his “influence” on marine conservation as he celebrates his 99th birthday.

SNP MSP Emma Harper put forward a motion in the Scottish Parliament praising him for “his tireless service to humanity and nature over seven decades”.

She submitted the motion ahead of the release of Sir David’s latest film, Ocean, which includes scenes of the “extraordinary life in the seas around Arran”.

In the film, Sir David said that “after living for almost a hundred years, I now understand the most important place on earth is not on land but at sea”.

He added: “The ocean is our planet’s life support system, and our greatest ally against climate catastrophe. Yet it is at a crossroads. We are draining the life from our ocean.

“Today, it is in such poor health that I would find it hard not to lose hope, were it not for the most remarkable discovery of all.

“The ocean can recover faster than we had ever imagined. It can bounce back to life.”

Ms Harper, a South Scotland MSP, said that Ocean “explains how quickly marine ecosystems recover”, adding that this was “a process we are seeing happen faster than anyone had predicted across the Lamlash Bay No Take Zone, off Arran”.

The No Take Zone there was the first of its kind in Scotland when it was established in 2008, with no fish or shellfish permitted to be taken from the waters, seabed or shore area.

Ms Harper stressed how “Scotland’s seas are home to an abundance of extraordinary life” but added that “like seas around the world, they face a range of serious threats from climate change and plastic pollution to industrial fishing”.

She added: “No other person in the broadcast era has more consistently brought the world’s natural wonders to the public’s screens and attention, and nobody has proven a bigger influence on marine conservation efforts in this country than David.

“I wish him the happiest of 99th birthdays, and thank him for his tireless service to humanity and nature over seven decades.”

Joe Richards, Scotland project manager for the Blue Marine Foundation marine conservation charity, said that previous work by Sir David had “spurred global interest in the problem of marine plastics”.

He added that his latest film “will draw attention to the need to protect and restore marine habitats as well as the fish stocks that rely on a healthy marine environment”.

Mr Richards said: “David’s film-making and knowledge of the natural world is unparalleled. Our seas are under pressure, and they need politicians, the public and industry to unite to protect them.

“The launch of Ocean with David Attenborough this week is therefore incredibly timely. He shows us what the consequences will be if we do not act, but also how quickly nature can recover when properly protected, including right here in Scottish waters.”

Published: 08/05/2025 by Radio NewsHub