Building a New Scotland: Our marine sector in an independent Scotland

Independence would bring new opportunities, allow Scotland to join the EU, and have:

• full and free access to the European Single Market – the world’s largest market for seafood products – and access to current and future trade deals negotiated by the EU
• a government that can champion the interests of Scottish seafood, our coastal and island communities, and Scotland’s environment at the heart of Europe, including making the case for equitable funding for marine investment, environmental protection and research and innovation
• the ability to influence and vote on future EU legislation, and play a positive and constructive role in supporting the efficient and effective advancement of the CFP and other parts of EU law.
• full legislative and regulatory responsibility for our marine sector, with all domestic marine decisions taken by the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government
• the powers and levers we need to implement a migration policy tailored to the specific needs of our marine sector, as well as Scotland’s unique economic and demographic needs more generally
• direct representation in international forums, and a distinct Scottish voice on the negotiation of current and future reforms to international marine law
• the ability to strengthen ties with other maritime and fish-farming nations outwith the EU, such as Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands
• a full suite of legislative, regulatory and financial powers to better support the sustainable development of our offshore renewable energy sector and deliver our net zero commitments.