Karen Adam: Fishing industry united in opposition to Highly Protected Marine Areas

In recent months, a matter of considerable concern has emerged for coastal communities and stakeholders in the fishing industry.

The proposal to implement Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) and I can confidently state that I have never seen the fishing industry more united in their opposition to any policy proposal.

Since being elected as your MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast, I have always enshrined in my ethos for people with lived experience on a relevant subject matter, to influence and shape the policies that would impact them.

So, when we talk of the fishing industry, there is no one more invested in the sustainability of the sector than the fishers themselves. That is why it is paramount that our fishers are involved in any discussion from the inception of any policy idea that would impact them, particularly when any such proposal would likely have a detrimental impact food security of our nation and the economic stability of our coastal communities, which are both deeply rooted in the fishing industry.

I discussed the matter at length during a fishers roundtable discussion at my Peterhead constituency office with the Chief Executive Officer of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF), Elspeth Macdonald. Our discussions were incredibly productive and offered invaluable insights into the industry’s perspective on HPMAs.

I look forward to further engagement with Elspeth and the SFF as well as others in the fishing industry, as I continue to protect the interests of our fishers and coastal communities.

I conducted a similar round table with local councillors across Aberdeenshire and Moray councils, allowing for a holistic dialogue on the impact that HPMAs will have.

While we confront the twin threats of climate change and biodiversity loss, it’s vital to recognise the integral role our seas play in tackling these crises. Protecting marine life, restoring habitats, and supporting the recovery of threatened species is undeniably crucial. Our fishers are acutely aware of this reality, understanding that the seas they depend on for livelihood are part of a broader, interconnected ecosystem that we must steward responsibly.

However, we cannot disregard the economic and cultural importance of the fishing industry in our response to these challenges. A sustainable future must encompass the livelihoods of those who rely on the sea.

As your MSP, I will not back any policy that fails to consider the economic implications for our coastal communities.

In light of this, I have written to the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition expressing these concerns. I have urged the Scottish Government to clearly define the communities that would be affected by the proposed HPMAs, to gauge opposition to the proposal effectively, and to ensure that the industry's apprehensions are urgently addressed.

As a member of the Scottish Parliament's Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, I will continue to scrutinise proposals like HPMAs that impact our blue economy. Our coastal communities bear significant responsibility for the sustainability and food security of our nation; their voices must be heard, their concerns must be considered, and their welfare must be prioritised.

The roundtables held recently signify the beginning of ongoing discussions with interested stakeholders, including the fishing industry. These engagements form a crucial part of my approach to policy-making – informed, inclusive, and transparent.

Open dialogues, such as those with Elspeth Macdonald, key industry stakeholders, and other fishers, lay the groundwork for effective and considered policymaking.

I am committed to this process and will keep fighting for the interests of our fishing industry and the coastal communities of Banffshire and Buchan Coast.

I understand the unique challenges we face, and I am dedicated to advocating for policies that protect our environment, our livelihoods, and our way of life.

Thank you to those who have engaged with me on this issue. Your input is crucial, and I value your participation in these discussions. Together, we can ensure that policies implemented are fair, effective, and considerate of all stakeholders. Let's continue to work together to forge a sustainable future for Scotland, where we uphold both environmental stewardship, continued food security, and economic vitality.

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