Scotland’s Young People Demand Urgent Action for Our Seas

We are proud to launch the first-ever Youth Manifesto for Scotland’s Seas – a powerful call from young people across Scotland for bold political action to safeguard marine life, tackle climate change, and secure healthy seas for future generations.

Developed with input from young people from both coastal and inland communities, the manifesto sets out what they believe should be Holyrood’s priorities for Scotland’s marine environment in the run-up to the 2026 elections. This includes calls for:

• Ending environmental damage caused by bottom-towed fishing within Scotland’s Marine Protected Areas.

• Incentivizing low-impact, sustainable fishing practices.

• Tackling the scourge of single-use plastics which blight beaches and harm wildlife.

• Expanding ocean literacy programmes so young people grow up understanding and valuing Scotland’s seas.

Issie Jeffrey, a 22-year-old from Edinburgh, a member of YSCS and one of the manifesto’s contributors, said:

“Scotland’s seas are incredible, but they’re under pressure. As young people, we want to make sure that future generations can enjoy thriving marine life, clean beaches, and coastal communities that are supported by healthy oceans. This manifesto is our way of saying: our voices matter, and we want action now.”

Phil Taylor, Director at the charity Open Seas added:

“This manifesto shows the passion and determination of Scotland’s young people to shape a sustainable future for our seas. Our seas are not owned by any business or sector of society - the sea and the life in it is a public resource which should be governed in a way that reflects the needs and interests of all of Scotland. Policymakers should listen carefully because these are the citizens, scientists, and leaders of tomorrow.” 

The Youth Manifesto was unveiled at the recent Sea Scotland Ocean Hustings, which brought together candidates from Scotland’s main political parties, NGOs, and community voices to debate the future of Scotland’s seas.

Ahead of the hustings, youth delegates had the opportunity to sit down with party representatives in a roundtable session. They presented the manifesto directly, sharing their priorities and personal motivations for change. One of the key themes of the discussion was the need for education on marine issues, particularly around how Scotland’s seas support our economy, communities, and environment. Young people emphasised that understanding the importance of healthy seas from a young age is essential for building a generation of informed, engaged citizens who can help protect our marine ecosystems for the future.

How you can help

We now need your support to make sure political leaders hear this message loud and clear.

Share the Youth Manifesto with your MSPs and ask them to pledge to include young people’s priorities in their party manifestos and take concrete steps to protect Scotland’s seas if they are re-elected in 2026.

We’ve prepared a draft email you can send directly to your representatives (but please personalise it with why healthy seas matter to you or which of the priorities is most important to you).

To find out who your MSPs are and their email address, simply enter your postcode at Writetothem.com.

Read the full manifesto here.

Youth Round table with candidates (photo: Catherine Gemmell-Simpson)