Another name related to the underwater world on the 2025 King’s New Year Honours List is scuba diver Emily Cunningham, who has been appointed an MBE for services to marine conservation and coastal communities.
The marine biologist from Staffordshire has played a prominent part in ocean conservation both in the UK and overseas “from Antarctica to the Amazon”.
She has led the development of two pioneering coastal conservation projects, securing more than £5m in funding; served on the Marine Conservation Society board; and managed a national dive-survey programme that contributed to the designation of Marine Conservation Zones in England.
In 2020 she was named a Global 30 under 30 Environmental Leader, and in 2023 won a UK Women of the Future Award.
As 2024 came to a close Cunningham’s name was also included on the ENDS Report Power List of 100 UK environmental professionals deemed to have made the greatest impact in the past two years “as nominated by colleagues, clients and competitors”.
“I learnt to dive while at university in 2008 and it opened my eyes to the wonders of the underwater world, particularly the amazing life we have in British seas,” says Cunningham. “It was that experience that led me to wanting to protect and conserve UK marine wildlife.
“Marine conservation is more than just my job – it has been my life, passion and mission for more than 20 years. It can be a tough and thankless task given the scale of the challenges facing our ocean, so to be recognised in this way means the world!
“The dive community really is a special one and I love being part of it,” adds Cunningham, whose projects planned for 2025 are detailed on Instagram, Facebook and her website.
Also on Divernet: UK diver wins Women of the Future award, Sea-life protector makes her mark
