Welcome to the Seafish Economics webpage

Seafish is the main source of economic information for industry and policy makers on the fishing, supply and processing industries. We conduct surveys and analyses of the UK fleet and processing sectors including trends in costs and earnings and economic impact multipliers. We also produce strategic analyses such as the 'Seafood Strategic Outlook' and fleet futures modelling.

In addition, we offer advice and consultancy services to improve business performance. Our manufactory advisory service is designed to streamline operating processes, using lean and six-sigma techniques to improve profitability within the processing sector.

Recent projects and publications

Fishermen benefit from fleet economic survey - watch this video to find out more 
The above short film shows fishermen talking about the benefits they get from the annual fleet economic survey (click to view recent surveys: 2005 short version or 2006 large version). It also shows a short background into what is involved in the survey and how its success depends critically on fishermen providing information to Seafish Economics. 
To watch the video simply click on the above image.

The economic impacts of the UK sea fishing and fish processing sectors: an Input-Output analysis:
In early 2006, Seafish Economics commissioned the Fraser of Allander Institute (FAI) of Strathclyde University to undertake this project. The study quantifies the contribution to the UK economy by the sea fishing and fish processing sectors. Using Input-Output (IO) multiplier analysis, the report also assesses the economic impact of changes in outputs within these sectors through a number of scenarios. Please click on the following links to download the short report and full report.

2005 Economic Survey of the UK Fishing Fleet:
This report contains the main findings of the most recent nationwide costs and earnings survey of the UK fishing fleet, presenting the latest economic information on up to 32 UK fleet segments in 2004 and 2005. Please click on the following link to download the short report, the full report will be published soon.

West of Scotland Nephrops Fishery:
A useful document that summarises key findings from a review of the issues facing the west of Scotland Nephrops fishery.
Please click on the following links to download the full report and key features summary document.

Economic comparison of single-rig and twin-rig trawl for nephrops:
This report illustrates the costs and benefits of twin-rig trawl for nephrops compared with single-rig trawl. Please click on the following link to download the report.

Options for improving fuel efficiency in the UK fishing fleet:
This study which is part of a range of fuel efficiency projects currently being conducted by Seafish, can give skippers and vessel owners information about fuel efficienct practices and provide guidance on evaluating investment in new equipment needed to adopt new practices. Please click on the following links to download the full report and key features summary document. 

Regular publications

Seafood Strategic Outlook - The Seafood Strategic Outlook is a regular publication for the UK seafood processing industry that reports on specific issues that may affect the sector in the medium to long term. It is intended to assist company competitiveness and has been designed to report on industry forces and trends beyond the control of individual businesses that will help in their decision making process.

Fisheries management issues report - this report summarises some of the current issues affecting the UK fishing industry.

Economic impact assessments - financial projections for key fleet segments.

Project archive 

Click here to download past economics publications from the Seafish publications database.

If you would like to find out more about Seafish Economics, or you require any further information which isn't available on this webpage, please contact the team at economics@seafish.co.uk or 0131 524 8661.