Young Scots Lead the Charge for Ocean Protection with Inspiring Youth Manifesto

Scotland’s seas are getting a powerful new advocate: its young people. With the launch of the Youth Manifesto for Scotland’s Seas 2026–2031, a coalition of passionate voices from across the country is calling for urgent action to safeguard marine ecosystems.

This youth-led initiative, developed by Young Sea Changers Scotland (YSCS), is already making waves by placing ocean health firmly on the political agenda ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary elections youthforseas.org

The manifesto is rooted in the belief that decisions made today will shape the seas inherited tomorrow. Issie Jeffrey, a YSCS member, summed it up:

“We need this manifesto because decisions made today will shape the seas we inherit tomorrow. Young people deserve a say in how they are cared for, because it’s our future that’s at stake.”

Survey results show overwhelming concern: 97% of young respondents said the health of Scotland’s seas is important or very important, yet none rated their current condition as “excellent.” Climate change emerged as the top worry, highlighting how deeply young people connect the global climate crisis to the fate of local marine environments.

The manifesto outlines four clear priorities for policymakers:

• Protect biodiversity and marine habitats: Ban destructive fishing practices like bottom-trawling in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), expand no-take zones, and enforce protections to safeguard sensitive species.
• Tackle marine pollution and plastic waste: Limit single-use plastics, hold industries accountable for marine litter, and strengthen regulations against sewage and aquaculture pollution.
• End overfishing and promote sustainable seafood: Support low-impact fisheries, require transparent monitoring, and encourage more diverse seafood consumption.
• Improve ocean literacy: Embed ocean education in schools, provide hands-on marine learning, and launch national campaigns to raise awareness about responsible behavior around the sea.

The manifesto was co-designed through surveys and workshops involving dozens of young people from Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh, and beyond. This collaborative approach ensured that youth perspectives were embedded at every stage, from survey design to policy recommendations.

The next step is advocacy: YSCS plans to share the manifesto widely, urging Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) and candidates to pledge support. By doing so, they hope to ensure that youth priorities are carried into the next parliamentary term, shaping marine policy for years to come.

Far from being a list of complaints, the Youth Manifesto is a hopeful, solutions-driven roadmap. It demonstrates that Scotland’s young people are not only aware of the challenges but also ready to lead with practical ideas. Their message is clear: protecting Scotland’s seas is urgent, achievable, and essential for future generations.

This initiative is more than a policy document—it’s a rallying cry for intergenerational cooperation. By amplifying youth voices, Scotland is showing the world how young leaders can inspire meaningful environmental change.

In short: Scotland’s youth are proving that when it comes to protecting the seas, they are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the changemakers of today.

Read the manifesto here.