UK Fishing Fleet Survey | Seafish

UK Fishing Fleet Survey

Every year we talk to fishing vessel owners around the UK to capture economic and employment data. We also ask about the issues affecting businesses.



This page has information on:

The 2024 Fishing Fleet Survey will start on Monday 15 July. For enquiries please contact fleet.survey@seafish.co.uk.

About the Fleet Survey

The fleet survey is a major piece of research into the health of the UK's fishing sector. It looks at the economic performance of the fleet itself and at the demographics of the people who work in fishing businesses. This allows us to better understand the social impact the industry has on coastal communities. The results of the survey help both industry and policy makers to understand the changing challenges and opportunities vessel owners and managers face, as well as the impact of fisheries management measures.

Creating an accurate picture of the industry relies on support and participation from skippers and vessel owners across the UK.

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Fleet Survey 2024 timetable

This is the proposed schedule for fleet researcher visits in 2024. The schedule is subject to change and it will be updated every Monday.

If you miss the fleet researchers in your area, email fleet.survey@seafish.co.uk and we can arrange another way for you to take part.

 England  Scotland
  • Dorset and Isle of Wight: 12 – 16 August
  • Durham and Yorkshire: 22 – 26 July
  • Essex: 12 – 16 August
  • Kent: 26 – 30 August
  • Lancashire and South Cumbria: 15 – 19 July
  • Merseyside: 29 July – 2 August
  • North Cornwall and Devon: 26 – 30 August
  • North Cumbria: 2 – 6 September
  • Norfolk: 9 – 13 September
  • Northumberland and Tyne and Wear: 15 – 19 July
  • South East Cornwall: 15 – 29 July, 26 – 30 August, 2 – 6 September, 9 – 13 September
  • South West Cornwall: 22 – 26 July
  • South Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire: 29 July – 2 August
  • Suffolk: 22 – 26 July
  • Sussex and East Hampshire: 5 – 9 August
  • West Dorset and South Devon: 5 – 9 August
  • Argyll and Bute: 15 – 29 July
  • East Dumfries and Galloway: 2 – 6 September
  • Fife: 22 - 26 July
  • Isle of Skye: 29 July – 2 August
  • Lothian and Borders: 19 – 23 August
  • Mid West Highland: 12 – 16 August
  • North Aberdeen and Moray: 5 – 9 August
  • North East Highlands: 5 – 9 August
  • North West Highland: 15 – 19 July
  • North Argyll and Bute and Isle of Mull: 15 – 19 July
  • Orkney: 19 – 23 August
  • Outer Hebrides: 19 – 23 August
  • Shetland: 19 – 23 August
  • South Argyll and Bute and Isle of Jura and Islay: 29 July – 2 August
  • South East Aberdeen and Angus: 5 – 9 August, 9 – 13 September
  • South West Highland: 22 – 26 July
  • West Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire: 22 – 26 July
 Wales Northern Ireland 
  • Glamorgan and South Dyfed: 2 – 6 September
  • North Dyfed and South Gwynedd: 29 July – 2 August
  • North Wales: 29 July – 2 August
 
  • Northern Ireland: 29 July – 2 August

During the survey

Our researchers visit ports and harbours across the UK to speak with vessel owners and skippers. They follow local guidance and health and safety protocols as they travel and meet with fishers.

The survey asks a series of questions about the financial and operational performance of fishing vessels questions about the demographics of the crew. It's an opportunity to build our understanding of how fishing businesses have fared in the last 12 months.

All information shared with Seafish is always treated in the strictest confidence. No figures relating to any individual or specific vessel are revealed in any outputs.

Take the survey

Vessel owners interested in participating should email fleet.survey@seafish.co.uk with their:

  • name
  • email and/or phone number
  • port of operation

Our researchers will arrange to meet you in port or schedule a telephone or video call if that is more suitable.

Benchmarking reports for vessel owners 

Owners who provide their financial accounts can request a free financial performance benchmark report. The report compares their vessel’s economic performance to similar vessels which can help identify areas where business improvements can be made. They can also be used as evidence in grant or loan applications. 

Industry testimonials

Various industry representatives from across the country have called on vessel owners to take part in the survey. Find out more, by accessing our YouTube videos on the links below. 

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Mike Park from the Scottish White Fish Producers Association (SWFPA) on why fishing businesses should take part.
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Jerry Percy from the New Under Ten Fishermen's Association (NUTFA) on why to take part in the Fleet survey.
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Harry Wick from the Northern Ireland Fish Producers' Organisation (NIFPO) explains how Fleet Survey data helps him to represent fishermen better.
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