Scotland’s politicians need to stand up for the fishing industry as they seek election at next year’s Holyrood election.
That’s the message of a “manifesto” published today by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation in advance of May’s national poll.
The document emphasises the importance of the fishing industry to Scotland’s coastal and island communities, where they are vital parts of local economies.
SFF chief executive Elspeth Macdonald said: “Fishing is not just part of Scotland’s heritage – it is modern, efficient, professional and globally recognised.
“It provides and jobs and is the essential bedrock for so many businesses that are part of Scotland’s seafood chain.
“Yet as we enter the second quarter of the 21st century, our fishermen – and Scotland’s ability to produce renewable, healthy food from our seas – are under threat as never before.
“The combination of ever-more complex and often restrictive policies, ‘spatial squeeze’ from offshore wind developments and sites protected for conservation alongside the drumbeat of negativity about fishing from some eNGOs undermines our industry’s core purpose – producing food, providing jobs and contributing to food security and the economy.”
Ms Macdonald urged candidates to show their support for fishing as an integral part of Scotland’s food sector.
“Politicians should be talking up our industry, not only because they should be backing every economic sector to promote growth but because it sustains jobs and income in our coastal and island communities.
“That’s something the public agrees with, 86% of voters having said in polling carried out for SFF earlier this year that food production from Scotland’s seas is as important as energy production, and that our sector should be protected in ever more crowded seas.”
Scotland accounts for the largest part of the UK industry, producing around 60% of total landings by volume and value, and it was worth £756 million in 2024, the highest value of the last 10 years.
The SFF manifesto calls for:
- A Government that supports, values and protects what fishing provides – renewable healthy protein, food security to meet a growing need, good jobs at sea and ashore enabling fishing businesses to contribute to Scotland’s marine economy and to Scotland and UK exports.
- Policy and regulation that supports fishing – enabling rather than restricting.
- Commitment from government for no further policies or measures that undermines the industry and the economies of the coastal & rural communities that rely on fishing for work and financial security.
- Space at sea for fishing – fishing cannot and must not be a casualty of offshore wind expansion – Scotland needs renewable energy and renewable food.
- Nature conservation policies that balance environmental protection with sustainable use.
- A diverse fleet – Scotland’s fishing industry is successful due to its diversity which brings resilience and investment over a range of different scales.
And it asks politicians for continued support for the Scottish Fishing Safety Group, working to ensure that fishermen’s safety is prioritised. Every fisherman should come home safe, every time. Also, commitment to securing the best possible fishing opportunities for Scotland’s fleet through annual negotiations and international agreements.
The SFF further seeks a practical, pragmatic and workable future catching policy that enables the sector to meet the objectives of the Fisheries Act and the Fisheries Management Plans; a moratorium on any further consents for offshore wind development until the impacts on our sector are addressed in full, including financial compensation for losses to ensure that the fleet remains viable and profitable; fisheries management measures in inshore MPAs and Priority Marine Features following the model of the offshore MPAs – balancing conservation with sustainable harvesting.
The body believes that fishing should be properly recognised and protected through development of Scotland’s new National Marine Plan and that investment in science and research is needed to prepare for the future – our seas are changing and fish stocks are changing – investment in science is needed now to ensure we have the right data to underpin decisions and management in future.