SCOTLAND is more than just a country — it’s our home.

To create that home, we need the resources around us to build our shelter and grow and catch our food.

The methods we use often inspire debate, evolving in tandem with our growing scientific understanding, yet one fundamental truth remains unquestioned: we need nutrition and a healthy environment to survive.

Our seas, eloquently described by an unknown author as “A riotous celebration of life”, are the lifeblood of our island identity. These waters fuel our local economies, nourish our people and provide sustenance for nations here and abroad.

While they give life abundantly, they have, sadly, claimed lives in the unforgiving pursuit of their bounty.

That sacrifice and what the seas have imbued our coastal communities with give an enduring sense of pride that spans generations. Just recently, I attended the Portsoy Boat Festival and was carried back in time by the Salmon Bothy and the Boat Shed.

As we strive to shape a better future, understanding and appreciating our past becomes ever more important.

I am profoundly grateful to all those who keep our cultural heritage alive, preserving precious stories and records for future generations to learn from and be inspired by.

Our bond with the sea is currently facing fresh challenges. The fishing communities I represent have raised serious concerns about proposed marine conservation strategies. In response, the Scottish Government is taking a step back to reconsider.

Rather than pushing ahead with the introduction of Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) across 10% of Scotland’s seas by 2026, they are now choosing to extend and engage further in dialogue with industry stakeholders, local communities, and conservation groups.

This shift towards collaboration underscores our holistic vision of marine protection, one that integrates the insights and needs of all sectors.

As the MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast, I fully endorse this new direction. Throughout my tenure, I have been committed to ensuring that the voices of our fishing communities – the true custodians of our seas – are heard loud and clear. Their deep, intimate understanding of the maritime environment is an invaluable resource in crafting impactful and informed conservation policies.

One aspect of this complex issue that demands our careful attention is food security. As we escalate our efforts to protect marine ecosystems, we must ensure Scotland’s ability to feed its people is not compromised. Striking this delicate balance between environmental preservation and food security is a daunting challenge, but with our shared commitment to collaboration and learning, I believe it’s a challenge we’re ready to meet head-on.

Our fishing communities are no strangers to this delicate balance. They live it every day, understanding the intricate dance between drawing on the sea’s bounty and ensuring its continued health. They are more than stakeholders in policy making – they are active partners in our collective quest for a more sustainable and food-secure future. This relationship, based on respect, knowledge, and mutual dependence, is key to making the kind of progress we all want to see.

Sadly, our marine environment is under serious threat. Nine out of 21 marine regions in Scotland are predicted to have seafloor habitats in “poor condition”. This stark reality drives us to create conservation policies that are not only sustainable but also reflective of our unique ecological realities and the needs of our communities.

As a representative of a coastal constituency, I am unflinchingly committed to advocating for a future that respects all inhabitants of our land and seas, and that ensures the sustainability of our natural resources for generations to come.

It is our duty to protect the livelihoods of our coastal communities and our country’s food security, all while preserving the rich biodiversity of our marine environment. I know there will be hard decisions to make, and we mustn’t shy away from it.

Seafood is an abundant source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins D and B2, calcium, iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium. Regular fish consumption has been linked to a myriad of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, brain development, and prevention of inflammation and chronic diseases.

I am looking forward to championing this food source over the next few years, as we should be proud of our seafood. It is world-renowned, and while other island countries revere their fishing industries and support endeavours to supply this food, I often feel we give ours a bad rep.

Scotland’s north-east seas are home to an abundant variety of fish species, including mackerel, herring, cod and haddock. Statistics show that the north-east of Scotland lands overmore than 70% of the total fish catch in Scotland, underlining its vital role in our national food security.

Our fishing communities, as both custodians and harvesters of the sea, play an integral role in our mission to remain a food-secure nation. They directly influence not only our local economy, but also the health and wellbeing of our people.

In the coming days and weeks, we will delve deeper into the Cabinet Secretary’s recent announcement. I will continue to advocate passionately for the interests of our fishing communities while safeguarding Scotland’s food security and the environment. Solutions are to be found in those with lived experience, as we need them to also deliver it.

Our journey towards a sustainable future is about balance. We must balance the health of our seas with the livelihoods of those who depend on them, and we must balance our urgent need for conservation with the necessity of maintaining food security. It’s a complex, demanding endeavour, but it’s one we undertake with hope, resolve, and a deep love for our country and its seas.

If you have concerns or proposals, I am here to listen, to engage and to represent you. Let’s work together, as I deeply appreciate your engagement and feedback and look forward to further enriching conversations.

Remember, my door is always open. Together, we can ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for Scotland and its precious marine environment.