Although this organisation sometimes opposed industry developments, Mike knew that unless Scotland's west coast boating environment remained unspoiled, overall growth would be stifled. In 2002 a RYA Regional Award for Services to Sailing recognised his unstinting efforts.

It is partly thanks to WHAM, which represents all water users, that Scotland's west coast has not been completely over-run with developments such as fixed moorings where free navigation should be maintained, fish and shellfish farms, and worse.

With the current concentration on renewable energy resources the boating environment, and the businesses which rely on it, may be under continuing threat.