Hannah Fennell
"There's space for all of us on the water, but only if we're at the table when decisions are made."
Location: Abderdeen
Job: President of The Scottish Fishermen's Federation
For Hannah Fennell, the sea is more than a livelihood, it's a way of life and a vital part of community identity. As President of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF), she represents the interests of fishers across Scotland, working to ensure their voices are heard in a policy landscape that's becoming increasingly crowded, both figuratively and literally.
"Scotland's fleet is diverse, from small family-run boats to larger commercial vessels," she explains. "They're all part of a vital industry that underpins coastal economies and communities."
Hannah has a background in marine science and conservation policy. She 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. It's a foundation that gives her both technical insight and a deep understanding of the nuances in marine management. "We need to stop pretending there's one 'right' way to use the sea," she says. "It's about balance, and that balance has to include the fishing industry."
One of Hannah's main concerns is the growing issue of crowded seas, the increasing overlap of offshore wind, conservation zones, and subsea infrastructure that displaces fishing vessels from traditional grounds. "It's not about opposition," she says. "It's about being considered. Too often, fishers are consulted late, or not at all, and that erodes trust."
She also points to the emotional impact on the next generation. "How do you tell a young fisher that there'll still be a viable future for them here? If all they see is space disappearing and decisions made in Edinburgh or London, that connection weakens."
In her role with the SFF, Hannah is part mediator, part negotiator, and part advocate. She works with developers, government bodies, and marine planners to help shape policies that protect not just fish stocks but the people who rely on them. "We want a seat at the table -not as an afterthought, but as equal stakeholders."
Her work also includes helping fishing operators adapt to regulation and navigate complex licensing, quota, and sustainability demands. "It's hard enough running a fishing operation," she says. "Add in endless red tape and a lack of proper consultation, and you're pushing people out."
Still, she remains hopeful. "There's a version of the future where fishing and offshore energy co-exist, but only if it's built on mutual respect. And that starts by listening."
