Seafood Scotland
Seafood in Schools: bringing seafood into the classroom and home
The seafood sector is a vital part of Scotland’s economy and a global culinary treasure. However, in many areas of the country, Scottish seafood is largely unknown by young people – beyond their local fish and chip shop or supermarket.
Seafood Scotland’s Seafood in Schools initiative is reimagining how young people engage with Scottish seafood. Relaunched after the pandemic, the programme brings the seafood sector into classrooms across Scotland—educating, inspiring, and empowering pupils, teachers, and families.
Why It Matters
There’s a growing need to teach young people about:
- · Scottish seafood species and their journey from sea to plate
- · Sustainable fishing and aquaculture in Scotland
- · The nutritional benefits of seafood as a healthy and affordable protein
- · Exciting career opportunities within the seafood industry
Our Approach
Primary & Secondary Pilots
In 2023–24, we launched pilot programmes in fishing communities around Aberdeenshire and expanded across Scotland’s central belt:
Primary Schools: 37 workshops delivered to 850+ pupils. Our workshops included an overview of the Scottish seafood sector, details about fish species found in our waters, and insights into fishing methods. Children received recipe kits with tinned seafood and learning resources to take home.
Secondary Schools: Engaged over 450 S2 pupils with cooking demos, career insights, and case studies on sector role models.
Resources for Teachers
In 2024–25, we worked closely with secondary school teachers through a series of focus groups to help shape the next phase of Seafood in Schools. Their input guided the creation of a comprehensive suite of curriculum-aligned resources, including:
- · Ready-to-use lesson plans and presentations covering nutrition, sustainability, and the seafood industry and careers
- · Worksheets to support key learning outcomes on each topic
- · A variety of recipe cards which can be used easily in both the classroom and at home
- · Draft risk assessments for teacher planning hands-on cooking sessions
- · Eye-catching classroom posters (Scottish species guide, ‘find your fish’ matrix and six sea-to-plate charts for different seafood types)
- · A growing library of careers videos highlighting real people and roles within the seafood supply chain
We also offer CPD training opportunities to support secondary teachers in confidently delivering engaging, seafood-themed cookery lessons. ‘Teach the Teacher’ workshops will be held in small numbers so teachers have a more in-depth experience, enhancing their fish knowledge and sharpening their fish food skills.
The programme supports progressive learning from primary through to secondary with “golden thread” messaging:
- · Taste & nutrition education for young children and their families
- · Sustainability and responsible sourcing for teens
- · Career pathways into seafood for older pupils
It’s fully aligned with the Curriculum for Excellence, providing meaningful, real-world context for interdisciplinary learning across science, health, food studies, geography, and more.
Our activities are filled with information that engage with pupils at their level and encourage them to ask more questions – ensuring they remain interested throughout. If you’re interested in enriching your school with one of our workshops, would like some of our resources or if you simply want to learn more, don’t hesitate to contact us at enquiries@seafoodscotland.org
Download our Resources
Lesson Plan 1 – Industry and Careers
Lesson Plan 2 – Nutrition
Lesson Plan 3 – Sustainability
Presentation 1 – Industry & Careers
Presentation 2 – Nutrition
Presentation 3 – Sustainablility
Worksheet 1 – Industry & Careers
Worksheet 2 – Nutrition
Worksheet 3 – Sustainability
Poster – Key Scottish Seafood Species
Poster – ‘Find Your Fish’
Career Profile Cards
Schools Wallcharts – Pelagic
Wallcharts – Mussels&Oysters
Wallcharts – Salmon
Wallcharts – Whitefish
Wallcharts – Shellfish
Wallcharts – Trout
Draft Risk Assessment – Mussels
Draft Risk Assessment – Tinned Mackerel
Draft Risk Assessment – Whitefish
Recipe Card – Salmon (Parcels)
Recipe Card – Salmon (Rice Bowls)
Recipe Card – Whitefish (Tomato Sauce)
Recipe Cards – Whitefish (Tacos) & Mackerel (Pate)
Scottish Seafood Ambassadors
In partnership with STEM Ambassadors in Scotland and the Scottish Food & Drink STEM Ambassadors programme, we’ve launched the Scottish Seafood Ambassador scheme – a powerful way for industry professionals to connect with young people.
Why Get Involved?
- · Share your passion and inspire the next generation
- · Tackle misconceptions about the seafood industry
- · Promote sustainability, innovation, and rewarding careers
- · Build your own skills in leadership and communication
What You Can Do
- · Visit schools, give classroom talks and activities, or join live ‘ship to shore’ classroom calls
- · Help develop resources, such a case studies to tell the story of people in the industry
- · Join a community of supportive Ambassadors working to future-proof the seafood industry
Your Impact
Your involvement helps create visibility, strengthen future talent pipelines, and promote seafood as vital to Scotland’s economy, culture, and health. We’ll measure our reach and success together – mapping engagement and identifying future engagement opportunities.
Seafood Scotland is dedicated to bringing Scottish seafood to more homes and schools throughout the country.
Get Involved
If you’re passionate about seafood and Scotland’s future, become a Scottish Seafood Ambassador. Help us inspire pride in our coastal communities and show young people that the seafood sector offers a meaningful, sustainable, and exciting future.
Contact us at enquiries@seafoodscotland.org for more information