The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has published the 2023 annual UK Sea Fisheries Statistics while working to address a data discrepancy in fisheries landing data that led to the suspension of the dataset’s accredited status earlier this year.
Despite this, MMO emphasises that the statistics remain reliable for providing an overview of industry activity.
Rebekah Paul, MMO’s Chief Statistician, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to high standards: “While discrepancies in fisheries landing data prompted this review, our investigation has provided an opportunity to enhance the presentation and documentation of these vital statistics,” she said.
Increased value, decreased landings
Key findings for 2023 include a 7% increase in the value of fish landed by UK vessels compared to 2022, totaling GB£1.3 billion, attributed to rising fish prices. However, the quantity of landings dropped by 1% to 650,000 tonnes.
The UK fishing fleet also showed resilience, with 5,500 active vessels and over 9,000 fishers. Imports of seafood exceeded exports by 316,000 tonnes, reflecting the UK’s status as a net importer of fish products. These figures underline the industry’s importance while highlighting ongoing challenges in balancing trade and sustainability.
MMO said it continues to collaborate with stakeholders under its Official Statistics Development Programme to ensure transparent and reliable data management.
This initiative aims to secure re-accreditation and improve the utility of fisheries landing data for both policymakers and the fishing industry. The report also signals MMO’s broader focus on advancing sustainable fisheries management in line with environmental commitments.
For detailed statistics, view the MMO’s report
