The message of a new manifesto unveiled by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation is that politicians need to stand up for the fishing industry as they seek election at next year’s Holyrood election.
The manifesto highlights the importance of the fishing industry to Scotland’s coastal and island communities
‘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,’ said SFF chief executive Elspeth Macdonald.
‘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.’
She commented that 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 the industry’s core purpose. She is urging 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,’ she said.
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 ten years.
‘There is rightly a very clear policy focus on fish stocks and the environment, but often insufficient focus on fishermen: perhaps they are more at risk than some of Scotland’s protected species? What do Scotland’s fishermen need to survive and thrive? Our industry was failed badly by the UK Government through the UK-EU reset, giving away 12 years of access to waters for nothing in return,’ the SFF manifesto sets out.
‘We were then failed again when the £360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund ‘consolation prize’ was allocated through Barnett rules, leaving Scotland with less than 8% of the Fund, despite accounting for 60% of the catch. Like all businesses, fishing businesses need certainty and a stable business environment. Whilst many fiscal measures affecting business confidence are reserved, most fisheries management is devolved, alongside nature conservation and marine planning, so we look to the incoming administration in the Scottish Parliament to drive policy that supports our fishing industry and provides that stability for business confidence.’
