Prestigious RSPB Medal awarded to Dr Euan Dunn MBE

Dr Euan Dunn MBE will be honoured with the RSPB’s most prestigious award at the charity’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) taking place online today (12th October), for his phenomenal contribution to marine conservation. 

A tireless advocate for nature, Euan has been chosen as the 2024 recipient of the RSPB Medal following his unswerving commitment to secure the sandeel fishing closure that came into force this year. Using his enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of marine policy, Euan’s role as Principal Marine Advisor for the RSPB allowed him to focus his efforts on driving fundamental changes in marine legislation. 

Reflecting on receiving the award, Euan Dunn said: “This is such an unexpected honour and pleasure. My eyes were opened to the role of sandeels as the engine of the food chain when completing my PhD in 1967. Having worked on marine policy and advocacy at the RSPB for 26 years, I’m very aware of the growing pressures of industrial fishing, climate change and disease which are increasingly affecting our seabird populations. This is why I have been so passionate about protecting seabirds – they are truly spectacular – and why it is vital that we work to safeguard them and the habitats they call home.” 

With a family history rooted in fisheries, the sea and its birdlife are in Euan’s blood and he became passionate about birds from childhood. This led to him joining the RSPB as a marine policy officer in 1994 before eventually becoming Principal Marine Advisor, responsible for policy development and advocacy on both a national and international level. 

Crucially, Euan played a significant role in the UK and Scottish Government’s decision to close sandeel fisheries in English waters of the North Sea and all Scottish waters in 2024. This was a historic legislative moment that Euan set in motion in 1996 after attending a groundbreaking meeting in Norway where fisheries scientists concluded Danish-led North Sea sandeel fishing was unsustainable. 

On Euan’s key role in the closure, RSPB chief executive, Beccy Speight, commented: “Euan’s involvement in ending industrial sandeel fishing has been pivotal in securing a vital lifeline for our seabirds. The UK is home to globally important seabird colonies but their populations are in decline, so securing this closure will help support the recovery of our seabirds. With his expertise and incredible passion for our marine ecosystems, Euan has played a truly significant role in this win for nature, providing a critical sense of hope for these much-loved birds.” 

The successful sandeel fishing closure might have taken years to achieve, but Euan recognises it was a hugely collaborative effort: “The closure is a true demonstration of hard work, luck and sheer bloody-mindedness, and what the RSPB can do when the organisation comes together. I am very grateful to have been involved in this momentous policy shift, but the work doesn't stop here - there is still more to do - but this is an important step in our efforts to protect seabird populations.” 

Leading on marine policy and seabird studies for more than 30 years, Euan established himself as the “go-to” expert on marine issues. From promoting environmental integration in the Common Fisheries Policy through to playing a key role in initiating the BirdLife International Marine Programme and its Albatross Taskforce, Euan’s ability to advocate for marine protection has been impressive. 

Receiving an MBE in 2007 in recognition of his services to marine conservation, including helping to establish BirdLife International’s “Save the Albatross” campaign, it is evident how important Euan has been in seabird protection. His ever-positive approach, and ability to harness people’s energy to shape remarkable results, is one that certainly deserves celebrating as the RSPB continues its efforts to conserve our amazing seabirds for generations to come. 

Previous RSPB Medal winners include HRH The Prince of Wales (2010), Sir David Attenborough (2000), Bill Oddie (1997), Stanley Johnson (2015) and Caroline Lucas MP (2018). In 2012 there was an unusual winner; the entire community of Tristan da Cunha was awarded the Medal for its efforts when the ship, MS Oliva, ran aground at Nightingale Island, 30km from Tristan da Cunha, spilling 1,500 tonnes of oil into the sea and threatening globally endangered species, including two-thirds of the world’s population of rockhopper penguins.