An overwhelming majority of people in Argyll and Bute believe fishing fleets should be safeguarded as seas become more crowded with the emergence of offshore wind and renewables, according to a new survey.
A poll of 1,000 adults by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) underscores strong public support for protecting the industry as it faces pressures from new marine users.
support for protecting the industry
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With 99 per cent of them believing fleets should be protected among crowded seas due to offshore wind and renewables, 65 per cent have an overall positive view of the sector.
Just one in 50 Scots disagree that the Scottish Government should do more to support the country’s fishing fleets, says the survey results.
The findings were released after the SFF’s 50th anniversary dinner, where its chief executive Elspeth Macdonald told 100 guests that fishing deserved recognition for its low environmental impact.
Ms Macdonald said: “This survey proves conclusively that the people of Scotland firmly believe fishing should continue to be a priority as we balance the needs of different marine industries.
“With our seas becoming busier spaces, we call on the Scottish government to put the needs of our fishing sector at the heart of marine policy. Many of our coastal communities depend on fishing.”
The research outcomes follow the scrapping of the Scottish Government’s controversial Highly Protected Marine Areas policy that would have led to a further loss of 10 per cent of Scotland’s fishing grounds and led to outcry from communities throughout Scotland.
The poll showed 19 in 20 Scots recognise fishing is vital for coastal communities.
A further 94.2 per cent believe the industry is important to Scotland’s economy and 90.4 percent of those who took part in the survey think Scottish fish should support our nation’s food security. Also, 89 per cent believe the government should do more to support fishing.
The SSF says the figures also presented future hope – and a sector that is clearly valued and respected by young adults, with 65 per cent of respondents aged 16-24 likely to have an overall positive opinion on the Scottish fishing sector, compared to 60 per cent between 45-54.
“This survey leaves no doubt that the public stands firmly behind Scotland’s fishing industry. With so many challenges ahead, from the changing climate to the cost of living crisis, these results give us confidence that people in Scotland recognise fishing must be part of our nation’s future.
“As an industry there are always things that we can do better. But there is a lot for us to be loud and proud about in terms of producing quality, low-carbon and sustainable protein.
“The public recognises this and has made it clear that it wants fishing protected amid crowded seas. There is an understanding that losing our fleets would be a tragedy that leaves Scotland vulnerable and communities devastated,” added Ms Macdonald.
The SFF fights for the interests of 450 fishing vessels in Scotland’s fleet, and is made up of eight groups representing small creel boats to white fish trawlers.
The full findings will be published in the coming weeks, as part of the SSF’s upcoming Industry Trends and Attitudes report.