The Scottish Government has commissioned a report scoping potential scenarios for the blue economy up to 2045, highlighting significant risks and opportunities. The report identified four possible futures: End of the Rainbow, Winner Takes it All, Status Woe, and Live Fast, Die Young.

Stakeholders that fed into the report agreed Scotland must pursue an “End of the Rainbow” Approach: This scenario envisions a future where the Scottish government actively facilitates sustainability-driven policies, and society embraces long-term systemic change. To deliver on this approach, four key actions are needed:

• Stronger marine spatial planning to balance conservation and industry needs.
• Clearer policies on multi-use marine space, particularly regarding offshore wind and fisheries.
• Investment in data-driven stock assessments to improve fisheries management.
• Protection of small-scale fishing businesses, ensuring fair quota distribution.
• Scotland’s fisheries sector faces major challenges and opportunities as the blue economy evolves. Future success will depend on policy direction, industry adaptation, and environmental responsibility.

Achieving this most desirable outcome will require robust political action, investment in green technologies and strong industry cooperation.