An inspiring photography exhibition shining a light on the lives of Scotland’s fishing communities will feature at a prestigious international gathering of marine scientists this week.
A celebration of the passion, heritage, and commitment to sustainability of today’s fishing communities, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation’s Pride in the Seas exhibition features 12 subjects from Shetland to Berwickshire, captured by acclaimed Scottish photographer Ian Georgeson.
It brings to life the narratives of those working in the industry with insights into the many challenges that fishermen face and their passion for the industry and its future.
Following success at the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Skipper Expo, and the Scottish Fisheries Museum in the historic fishing port of Anstruther, the exhibition will be hosted at the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Annual Science Conference (ASC), taking place in Gateshead, United Kingdom, from 9 to 12 September 2024.
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Elspeth Macdonald, Chief Executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, stated: “The passion and pride of those working in the industry is a constant source of inspiration.
“They are out there in all manner of conditions, putting healthy, sustainable and climate-smart food on our tables.
“As well as featuring active fishers, it also includes scientists who work in the sector, highlighting the key role they have in embedding science into sustainable fisheries.
“The campaign has been extremely well received, it’s the first of its kind, capturing the spirit, integrity and pride our fishing communities’ possess.
“Hosting the exhibition at the ICES conference will give people of all ages and backgrounds a unique insight into the realities of life in our fishing communities – both the rewards and the sacrifices.”
More than 50 Members of the Scottish Parliament, including the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, have already signed a pledge to protect the future of the country’s fishing sector.
Alongside SFF’s Pride in the Seas, Pride in the Seas England, developed by Dr Sarah Coulthard from the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences at Newcastle University, will also be shown at the conference.
Inspired by SFF’s Pride in the Seas, the English extension features 23 fishermen and scientists from the English coasts.
Visitors to ICES ASC 2024 will have the opportunity to experience the Pride in the Seas exhibition throughout the conference, with the display located prominently within the main conference venue. The exhibition invites attendees to engage with the personal stories behind each photograph, offering a deeper connection to the issues being addressed at the conference.
Working for the interests of 450 fishing vessels in Scotland’s fleet, the SFF is made up of eight Associations which represent the sector from small creel boats to large pelagic and white fish trawlers.
For more details visit https://scotfishmuseum.org/blog/post.php?s=2024-06-04-pride-in-the-seas
The full exhibition and case studies are now available to view on the SFF website.
Pride in the Seas case studies:
Trevor Spouse, Skipper in Eyemouth
Mark Anderson, Skipper, and son Nicol, Deckhand, in Shetland
Colin Stephen, Skipper in Peterhead
Mark Robertson, part-owner, and sons Paul and Adam, Skippers, in Fraserburgh
Willie John McLean, Skipper in Mallaig
Erin Mackenzie, Deckhand in Mallaig
Dr Steve Mackinson, Chief Scientist, Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association
Dr Paul Macdonald, Senior Fisheries Analyst, Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation
Elena Balestri, Senior Fisheries Policy and Science Manager, Scottish Fishermen’s Federation
