Hansard

I will start by associating myself with the comments that were made by Beatrice Wishart about Dr Ian Napier. I extend my sympathies and condolences to his family and to all those who worked with him.

I thank Beatrice Wishart for her comments and for bringing this debate to the chamber, and I thank colleagues more widely for their contributions to the debate this evening.

As Beatrice Wishart outlined, Scotland’s fishing industry is vital to our economy but it is also ingrained in our national identity. Scotland’s rural and coastal communities are a hugely significant aspect of our economic, social and cultural fabric. One of the Government’s chief priorities is to drive economic growth, and fishing and our wider seafood sector are a critical part of our diverse marine economy.

The range of issues that have been covered in the debate speaks to the complexity and diversity of our marine sector. It is important to take stock and reflect on one of Scotland’s most important assets, which is our fishing industry, the people and communities who make a living from it, and its valuable contribution to the Scottish economy.

I want to pick up on some of the points that members made. Beatrice Wishart and Tim Eagle raised budget issues. When we were undertaking budget scrutiny, the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee focused on the marine directorate, and I welcome the scrutiny that was undertaken on that. During those committee meetings, we covered at length some of the particular issues that we have with the marine estate. I outlined that a programme board is taking forward work to address the immediate issues as well as looking to the medium and longer term. We have also set out in our indicative portfolio allocations in the budget an increase to the science budget, which I know the committee was concerned about. I hope that that shows that we have listened and that we are trying to address the concerns that were raised, while recognising the importance of that part of the portfolio.

Another key point that members have raised today largely relates to the debate. I am more than happy to commit to having a debate on fisheries and scheduling Government time for that. I appreciate that we are always short of time when it comes to members’ business and debates, but I want to pick up on a couple of points in relation to that. We had an interim statement on the autumn negotiations and, as I have just outlined, I am more than happy to consider reinstating that debate.

As we have seen from the variety of issues that members have raised in their contributions this evening, so much is going on in our marine environment, much of which concerns our wider fishing industry. However, I want to highlight that a lot of work is being done in the marine directorate on all the issues that we face in our marine environment. It is important to reflect on and recognise some of the work that is being done and to see some examples of that.

The approach that our negotiating teams take to the annual fisheries negotiations is informed by the best available science. It takes into account scientific advice, other socioeconomic factors and the dynamics of fisheries. Our negotiators played an active role in the UK delegation throughout the negotiations last year, acting as a constructive partner, and they always seek to do the best for Scottish interests in those discussions. It is important to highlight the financial impact of those efforts, which have generated opportunities that were worth more than £600 million for Scotland in 2024.

On sustainable fishing, which was raised by Ariane Burgess, it is important to reflect on the figures in the Scottish sustainable fishing indicator, which summarises the sustainability status of commercial fish and shellfish stocks in Scottish waters. That shows that the status has increased through time from 37 per cent in 1993 to almost 70 per cent in 2022. Our fishers undertake such an important role more widely, including in relation to our food security, which was another point that was raised. It is in everyone’s best interests that we protect our marine environment.

I want to touch on a number of other key points that were raised today. Beatrice Wishart touched on issues related to economic link licensing. We are due to publish a report on that this spring, so I am more than happy to follow up on that.

Karen Adam touched on the importance of our fishing industry and the wider seafood trade on the back of that. We have only to look at our export statistics to see that the seafood trade was worth more than £1 billion in exports in 2023. However, in relation to that, there are issues with employment and the workforce that we have been trying to address at length with the UK Government. I hope that the new UK Government will listen to and work with us to address the concerns and find some solutions. I know that Karen Adam’s constituent Jimmy Buchan is really passionate about the issue and has put a lot of work into it.

Another key item, which I know the SFF has raised and is of significance to members across the chamber, is the competition that exists for marine space and the pressure on fishing activity from potential restrictions in that space. Effectively managing how we use our marine space will be critical as we transition to net zero by 2045. The Scottish Government is committed to maximising the opportunities that come with a blue economy approach and what that can deliver for not only our environment and marine sectors, but our rural and coastal communities.

As we develop the national marine plan 2, we are adopting an approach that considers our marine economy, our local communities and the environment. Ultimately, that will, I hope, put in place the right planning framework so that we can address the increasing competition that exists.

A few members mentioned young fishers and people who feel that they are not part of that conversation. We are making strong efforts to address that by trying to engage with young fishers, especially as we go through the national marine plan 2 process, because this is about their future.

Every day, Scotland’s fishing fleet puts itself at no little risk on the front line to ensure that we can all benefit from outstanding healthy produce that is important not only to our rural economy but to our national culture, as we have heard. I had no hesitation in signing the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation’s “Pride in the Seas” campaign pledge to protect and support Scotland’s vital fishing industry and coastal communities, because this Government values and appreciates all who make a living from and care about our seas. Yes, there are challenges, but I am determined to continue to work with our industry as we look to address those challenges.