UK authority Seafish has launched its 11th annual economic survey of the UK fishing fleet.
Over the summer months Seafish researchers will visit ports across the UK to speak to vessel owners and skippers from all sectors of the industry to collect data on fishing and vessel costs. By gathering this information Seafish economists will then be able to build a current and insight-led picture of the UK fleet’s economic performance.
The results, to be published in 2016, are intended to guide industry and policy makers understanding of the socio-economic consequences of ongoing changes to fisheries management measures in addition to the wider financial climate. This year the survey will also incorporate additional research to investigate the impact of the Landing Obligation on strategic intentions for demersal and nephrops vessel businesses.
Having been well received by industry in previous years, the survey will again be supported by a number of national federations and local associations around the UK.
Tom Pickerell, Technical Director of Seafish said, “In 2014 almost 600 fishermen were interviewed so this year we are aiming to exceed that level. As always, the more vessel owners that take part, the more robust the results will be.
“This is a hugely important exercise that enables us to better understand the industry as a whole and as a result helps us to inform key decision makers at a national and European level. We therefore urge skippers and boat owners across the UK to be part of the project by speaking to our researchers so that we can present the most accurate picture possible and help drive better informed policy”, Mr Pickerell said.
All information provided is treated as confidential and no individual vessel figures will be revealed in any report. For more information please visit the Seafish website.
