Mohammad Fahim Hashimi
“Fishing isn’t just part of the past, it must be part of the future. We need policies that reflect that.”
Location: Aberdeen
Job: Offshore Energy Policy Manager, Scottish Fishermen's Federation
Fahim Hashimi’s journey to Scotland’s fishing sector was anything but conventional.
Originally from Afghanistan, Fahim served as a senior policy director in government before relocating to Europe. In 2022, he joined the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) as Offshore Energy Policy Manager, a role that places him at the intersection of long-established fishing and emerging marine industries.
“My job is to protect and promote the interests of fishermen, especially as offshore energy expands rapidly,” he says. “That means engaging with developers, writing consultation responses, attending workshops, and developing strategic policy.”
Fahim has been instrumental in drafting the SFF’s first-ever Offshore Renewable Energy Policy, a landmark document that sets out SFF policy position towards offshore renewable energy and the expectations of the Federation and the fishing industry for how to engage constructively with offshore developers. “It’s a one-stop shop,” he says. “It tells developers: here’s how to engage with us, here’s how to preferably avoid or if necessary mitigate your impacts, here’s what we want in terms of protecting our sector as another renewable energy project expands in our seas.”
While he is focused heavily on renewables, he also deals with oil and gas development and its impact on marine space. “What we’re seeing is cumulative pressure,” he explains. “Wind farms alone are significant, but add in cabling, conservation zones, aquaculture and military use, you have a crowded, contested sea.”
Fahim believes strongly in the need for better science. “Marine planning decisions must be built on data, but often, we see key evidence missing. That leads to poor design and a breakdown in trust.”
He’s also focused on changing perceptions. “Fishing is not a problem industry. It is sustainable, well-regulated, and provides one of the lowest-carbon sources of protein available. The sector contributes to food security, climate goals, and rural economies. That message needs to be louder.”
One of the most rewarding parts of his role, he says, is when developers actually listen. “It’s rare, but when they do adapt their plans based on our input, that’s real progress.”
Despite his relatively recent arrival to the industry, Fahim has earned widespread respect for his thoughtful, structured approach. “I didn’t come from a fishing background,” he says, “but I came in with open ears. I’ve learned from the people who live this life, and now I get to help protect it.”
