Governments in the EU, UK, and Scotland face the prospect of “crushing” the Scottish fishing sector by 2025 unless they urgently reconsider their approach, a leading industry figure has warned.
Elspeth Macdonald, Chief Executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, issued a stark New Year message to policymakers, highlighting a growing crisis for the industry.
Macdonald criticised the Scottish and UK governments for engaging in what she termed “initiative-itis” and accused the EU of pursuing a one-sided fisheries access agreement that jeopardises the livelihoods of hundreds of skippers and crew members.
Key Challenges Looming in 2025
Macdonald identified two major challenges for the fishing fleet:
The Expansion of Offshore Wind Power: The “colossal growth” of floating offshore wind projects in Scottish waters poses a significant threat to the fishing industry, with no current plans to compensate fishers for losses caused by these developments.
EU-UK Fisheries Relationship: As the end of the fisheries adjustment period under the Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) approaches in mid-2026, tensions over access to UK waters are set to escalate.
A Call for Just Transition
Macdonald expressed the industry’s support for the energy transition but criticised the rapid expansion of offshore wind as unjust.
“The ‘windrush’ – the rapid expansion of floating offshore wind in our seas – is not proving to be a just transition for our fishing industry,” she said.
“At present, there are no proposals to compensate our industry for the significant losses we will face. Our long-standing sector must not become a casualty of this new one.”
She urged governments to honour their commitments to a just transition, stating that “hollow words are not enough.”
Criticism of EU Stance on Fisheries Access
Macdonald also condemned the EU’s “completely unreasonable” demands regarding future fisheries access under the TCA.
She reminded EU negotiators of their 2020 agreement, which stipulates that access to UK waters would be part of annual negotiations from 2026.
“If the EU wants something different for their fleet, they must offer something of equal benefit to ours,” she said.
Macdonald further emphasised that any agreements on agri-food or veterinary standards with the EU should not come at the expense of long-term fisheries access arrangements.
“The fishing industry paid a heavy price for Brexit, and it should not be forced to pay again for a wider deal that benefits only the EU,” she concluded.
Industry at a Crossroads
As 2025 approaches, the Scottish fishing sector faces mounting challenges.
Macdonald’s message underscores the urgent need for governments to balance competing priorities and protect an industry critical to Scotland’s economy and heritage.
