The operating profit for the overall UK fishing fleet has increased by 34% to £202 million in 2013, compared to 2012, according to the latest figures from Seafish.
However, for many vessel owners and skippers remaining profitable has continued to be a challenge.
Seafish’s latest UK fleet analysis suggests that the economic performance of much of the industry has remained stable, despite the increasing cost of fuel, tighter management restrictions and challenging weather conditions.
According to the latest data, although total fishing income fell 3% to £751m between 2012 and 2013, mainly due to decreases in the first sale price of a number of different species, the continued profitability suggests the fleet has made adjustments to counter rising costs.
Steve Lawrence, Economics Project Manager at Seafish, said, “Our research highlights the extraordinary work undertaken by the UK commercial fishing fleet. In the face of a challenging economic and environmental landscape, the vessel owners and skippers have reacted positively in order to maintain operating profit margins in 2013.”
Despite these favourable numbers, results from the 600 interviews conducted reveal that vessel owners and skippers have largely mixed attitudes towards the future.
Many said that they were uncomfortable and hesitant to make predictions largely due to forthcoming regulation, such as the landing obligation. On the other hand, a group of vessel owners and skippers reported that they were planning to expand their business regardless of the challenges ahead.
The 2013 Economics of the UK Fishing Fleet – Key Features report aims to deliver a comprehensive analysis of the economic performance of the UK fishing fleet using the latest available data.
Tom Pickerell, Technical Director of Seafish is urging as many vessel owners and skippers as possible to take part in next year’s report. Those interested in taking part in the next round of research should contact Steve Lawrence by emailing steven.lawrence@seafish.co.uk or call 0131 524 8663.
