Young Sea Changers Scotland, a new charity dedicated to training the next generation of marine advocates, launches across Scotland this month.

Young Sea Changers Scotland (YSCS) was set up to address a lack of young people participating in formal discussions and decision-making processes affecting how our seas are managed for the future. In a 2018 survey of young people across Scotland, around 79% agreed that Scotland’s seas should be protected, yet just over 46% said they did not feel informed about the issues affecting Scotland’s seas.  The survey also found that young people, unsurprisingly, did not believe their views are well represented in decision making.

Photo by Valentine Kulikov

YSCS will launch with a new capacity building and development programme for 16-25 year olds to engage in marine policy and advocacy. An course will be open to young people across Scotland, no matter their location, proximity to the coast or previous knowledge of marine issues, recognising that the health of our seas affects us all.

Alan Munro, YSCS Founder and Director, says: “Including young people’s views in marine policy decisions seems to me to be a no-brainer, especially as they have a long-term stake in the health of our seas. However, what I have found is that lack of confidence to participate in seemingly complex conversations around marine issues has been a major barrier. 

Caitlin Turner, YSCS Trustee, says: “As a young person active in marine conservation – and particularly policy – I’m all too familiar with the barriers to engaging with policy making and policy makers, and the frustration felt in oftentimes being shut out. Young people are incredibly passionate, knowledgeable and in-tune with the issues contributing to climate change and biodiversity loss, but we’re due to inherit a future we’re getting very little say in. We need a seat at the table, to help shape a greener, more equitable and just future for us all. 

You can find out more about Young Sea Changers Scotland here.