Led by a giant paper cod and accompanied by the sound of bagpipes, more than 100 supporters marched from Dynamic Earth to the front of the Scottish Parliament. With placards in hand and a large screen sharing voices from communities across Scotland, the atmosphere was energetic, hopeful and determined. The message was clear: people across Scotland care deeply about the future of our seas and want to see stronger protection for inshore waters.
At the heart of the day was the hand-in of the petition to Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands. It was a landmark moment for the Our Seas Coalition and a clear demonstration of the support of nearly 17,000 people calling for stronger protection for Scotland’s inshore waters and healthier, more resilient seas. None of this would have been possible without that support — from everyone who signed, shared and helped build momentum behind the campaign. Reaching this point has been a real collective effort, and it was inspiring to see that support reflected so strongly outside Parliament.
One of the most encouraging parts of the day was the response from MSPs. Seventeen MSPs came out to speak with supporters, including young people who had travelled from schools and groups in Glasgow and Fife. Many supporters had made long journeys across Scotland to stand outside Parliament and call for healthier seas. It was heartening to see MSPs come out to listen to those constituents directly and hear first-hand what had brought them there.
What also stood out was the breadth of voices represented on the day. This was not only a gathering of environmental organisations. People from tourism, business, coastal communities and parts of the fishing industry stood side by side in support of healthier seas. That broad coalition matters. It shows that stronger protection for the marine environment is not a niche concern, but something with benefits for nature, communities and livelihoods alike.
Healthy seas are the foundation of thriving coastal economies and abundant marine life. When important habitats are protected and given the chance to recover, the benefits can ripple far beyond protected areas, supporting biodiversity, fisheries and the resilience of coastal communities over the long term. That is why this campaign matters, and why so many different people and organisations have come together behind it.
After the petition hand-in, supporters gathered at the Scottish Storytelling Centre to continue the conversation. There, we watched A Line in the Sound, a film that highlights the benefits that better-managed inshore waters can bring for both marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods. It explored the importance of allowing the seabed to recover, while also sharing the stories of people working to actively restore Scotland’s seas, including through the return of native oysters. Following the screening, a panel featuring representatives from fishing, conservation and restoration took questions from the audience, prompting a valuable discussion about the work still needed to secure a healthier future for Scotland’s inshore waters.
While the event was a celebration of the public support behind healthier seas, it was also a reminder that action is now needed from Scotland’s leaders. Stronger protection for inshore waters has been delayed time and time again, and the public deserves the opportunity to help shape the future of their seas through a public consultation. This petition hand-in is a clear demonstration of the momentum behind this campaign. Now that support must be answered by urgent political action — because more protection means more fish and more jobs.
