The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) has urged candidates standing for election to the Scottish Parliament to publicly back the fishing industry, warning that jobs, food security and coastal communities are at risk without stronger political support.
The call comes with the launch of a new SFF manifesto ahead of the Holyrood election, according to Fishing News.
SFF says fishing remains a modern, efficient and globally recognised industry, but faces growing pressure from policy decisions and competing demands for space at sea.
Manifesto sets precise demands
The federation’s manifesto calls for a government that “supports, values and protects what fishing provides”. It highlights fishing’s role in local economies, food production and national food security. The document stresses the need for policies that enable the industry rather than restrict it.
A key demand is protection of access to fishing grounds. SFF warns that offshore wind expansion and new conservation sites are creating a “spatial squeeze” that threatens the sector’s future.
Call for offshore wind pause
SFF repeats its call for a moratorium on further offshore wind consents until the full impact on fishing has been adequately addressed. It argues that fishing must not become a casualty of energy development.
The manifesto also calls for a stable, predictable business environment, noting that uncertainty makes long-term planning more difficult for vessel owners and processors.
Political debate heats up
SFF chief executive Elspeth Macdonald said, according to Fishing News, that politicians should “stand up for fishing” and talk positively about the industry. She said fishing sustains jobs and income in coastal and island communities and deserves the same political backing as other sectors.
The intervention comes as environmental groups also publish election demands on marine policy, setting the scene for a sharper political debate over the future use of Scotland’s seas.
The 2026 Scottish Parliament election is planned for Thursday, 7 May 2026, and will elect 129 members to the Scottish Parliament. It will be the seventh general election since the devolved Parliament was established in 1999.