WO ABERDEEN-BASED leaders are working to ensure fishing communities have a seat at the table as Scotland’s seas become increasingly contested.
Hannah Fennell, President of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, and Fahim Hashimi, Offshore Energy Policy Manager, both feature in the newly launched Pride in the Seas 2 exhibition – a national initiative spearheaded by the SFF to showcase the people behind Scotland’s fishing sector.
The SFF launched the initiative at the Scottish Parliament, where politicians and industry leaders gathered to unveil the second phase of the campaign, aimed at celebrating the pride, skill and resilience of fishing communities.
Hannah, who has a background in marine science and conservation policy, began working in the fishing sector as a researcher with Orkney Fisheries Association in 2017, before becoming CEO in 2020. She was later elected as President of the SFF in August 2023, bringing her technical insight and a deep understanding of marine management to her role representing fishers across Scotland.
Hannah said: “Scotland’s fleet is diverse, from small family-run boats to larger commercial vessels. They’re all part of a vital industry that underpins coastal economies and communities.
“We need to stop pretending there’s one ‘right’ way to use the sea. It’s about balance, and that balance has to include the fishing industry.”
Fahim’s journey to Scotland’s fishing sector was unconventional. Originally from Afghanistan, where he served as a senior policy director in government before relocating to Europe, Fahim joined the SFF in 2022 as Offshore Energy Policy Manager – a role that places him at the intersection of established fishing and emerging marine industries.
He said: “My job is to protect and promote the interests of fishermen, especially as offshore energy expands rapidly. That means engaging with developers, writing consultation responses, attending workshops, and developing strategic policy.
“Fishing isn’t just part of the past, it must be part of the future. We need policies that reflect that.”
Fahim has been instrumental in drafting the SFF’s first-ever Offshore Renewable Energy Policy, a landmark document setting out the Federation’s position and expectations for constructive engagement with offshore developers.
Both leaders highlight the growing issue of crowded seas – the increasing overlap of offshore wind, conservation zones, and subsea infrastructure that displaces fishing vessels from traditional grounds.
Hannah added: “It’s not about opposition. It’s about being considered. Too often, fishers are consulted late, or not at all, and that erodes trust.
“There’s space for all of us on the water, but only if we’re at the table when decisions are made.”
Fahim said: “What we’re seeing is cumulative pressure. Wind farms alone are significant, but add in cabling, conservation zones, aquaculture and military use, you have a crowded, contested sea.
“Marine planning decisions must be built on data, but often, we see key evidence missing. That leads to poor design and a breakdown in trust.”
Elspeth Macdonald, Chief Executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, said: “Hannah and Fahim represent the breadth of expertise and dedication at the heart of our organisation. Together, they’re ensuring fishing communities aren’t just consulted, but genuinely included in shaping Scotland’s marine future.
“The Pride in the Seas 2 campaign aims to bring those working in our industry to the forefront, giving recognition to the generations of skill, stewardship and resilience that characterise fishing communities across Scotland, and why we need to support Scotland’s fishermen not just for today, but also for the future.”
Following its Parliament debut, the exhibition is planned to make its way across Scotland throughout 2026.
Now in its 53rd year, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation represents the interests of Scotland’s fishing fleet and continues to advocate for practical policies that safeguard the future of the industry and those who work in it.
The full exhibition and case studies are now available to view on the SFF website: https://www.sff.co.uk/news
