Get to know our 2025 fishing fleet survey team

Tell us a bit about yourself 

My name is Zachary and I am based in London. I rejoined Seafish in May this year. I studied Marine Environmental Management at the University of Exeter in the Cornwall campus. From my studies, I developed an interest in fisheries, marine protected areas, and coral reefs. Since graduating, I have worked in several countries, including the Maldives, where I collaborated with a local community to develop a community-led coral conservation project. I also engaged in science outreach at a local school, teaching children about marine science.  

I first worked with Seafish in 2024 as a field researcher and visited different fishing communities all across the UK. I enjoyed meeting fishermen and learning about their ways of life working in the industry. I am looking forward to seeing familiar faces again but also new fishermen.  

This year, I also worked on the Seafish seafood processing sector survey and learnt about a different part of the seafood industry. From this work, I got to understand the value of this sector in UK and its relationship with the fishing sector.  

What do you like to do for fun? 

In my spare time I play a variety of sports. I play badminton, basketball and tennis. Tennis is my favourite sport as I enjoy how easy it is to meet new people and the mental aspects of the game. I am also a qualified tennis coach and have previously taught children and adults how to play the sport.  

I also have fun cooking at home. I really enjoy trying to make meals from different cuisines. My favourite thing to cook is a monkfish Thai red curry.  

Any favourite memory or story from last year’s survey? 

One of my favourite memories from last year’s survey was during a visit to Looe. It was my first week in the field, and I hadn’t had much interaction with fishermen before. As I approached the harbour, I saw a fisherman landing his catch from the boat and decided to ask if he’d be willing to take part in the survey after unloading. I also asked if I could watch the landing process, and he kindly agreed.  

Not only was he happy to speak with me afterwards, but he also took the time to show me how they brought in and handled their catch. It was fascinating to see the variety of seafood from scallops to monkfish, and to observe how the crew worked together to land and prepare the fish for storage in the harbour fridges. It gave me a real insight into part of our seafood’s journey from sea to plate.  

Angelica Wilson 

Tell us a bit about yourself 

Hello! I’m Angelica and I’m from North Wales and I have been living in Glasgow for the past 5 years. I studied History at the University of Glasgow, and I have spent the past year working as sabbatical officer for the University of Glasgow’s Student Representative Council.  

I grew up in a fishing family, with my dad working primarily with mussels and my grandad with crab and lobsters! Also, I’ve spent time working in a fishmonger as a summer job and I have loved learning new facts about fish from this experience  

What do you like to do for fun? 

I love playing tennis, going on hikes and reading books whenever I get the chance!  

What are you looking forward to the most while working as a fleet researcher? 

As a Fleet Researcher, what I’m most looking forward to is the opportunity to meet lots of new people from all across the country  

Connie Oxenham 

Tell us a bit about yourself 

I’m from Norwich but recently graduated from Newcastle University with a BSc in Marine Biology. Since then, I've begun an international MSc with a focus on fisheries management, climate change and pollution. I'm also a big seafood fan and no stranger to a scampi and chips on a Friday night. I'd love to combine the two and support sustainability within the sector! 

What do you like to do for fun? 

Currently I enjoy running and am considering getting into triathlon (despite being a terrible swimmer). I also play the piano and am learning Spanish, having lived in the Basque Country for the last few months. 

What are you looking forward to the most while working as a fleet researcher? 

I’m excited to travel around the coast and work with a new group of people from different backgrounds. I'm also looking forward to collecting data which I usually analyse at university, gaining valuable firsthand perspectives.

Joe Vince 

Tell us a bit about yourself 

I’m originally from York but moved to Edinburgh to complete my degree in Economics. Growing up in Yorkshire meant frequent and memorable trips to the coast, whether to Whitby, Filey, or other seaside towns. While my studies were not directly related to the fishing industry, I have developed a growing interest in the sector over time. This interest deepened last year when I worked as a fleet researcher, travelling around the UK to speak with skippers and vessel owners and gaining valuable insight into their daily operations and perspectives.   

What do you like to do for fun? 

I love to cook, whether it’s trying out new recipes or preparing meals for family and friends. I find real joy in being in the kitchen. It is both a creative outlet and a great way for me to unwind. I am also a big fan of walking and exploring new places, especially along the coast. There is something incredibly calming about being near the sea, and I find coastal walks the perfect way to clear my head and enjoy the scenery.  

Any favourite memory or story from last year’s survey?  

Surveying the Isle of Skye must be my favourite part of last year’s fleet survey, and my time in Elgol stands out the most. The island’s natural beauty and remote charm made it a unique place to work. Elgol harbour in particular, was one of the most stunning locations I visited. Although it was a quiet day and I spent hours waiting without seeing a single boat, the experience taught me a lot about the patience and unpredictability that often comes with fieldwork. Just as I was about to leave, three boats landed, and the skippers were incredibly welcoming and happy to take part in the survey. That moment, after a long wait and a two-hour journey, was incredibly rewarding and reminded me why I enjoy this kind of work so much.  

Bella Smith

Tell us a bit about yourself 

Hi, I’m Bella, 26 from Leeds. I have always been interested in science, studying Biology and Psychology for my Undergraduate Degree before moving on to a Masters in Ecology, Biodiversity and Conservation at Newcastle University, a city I loved.  

I have previously worked in fishing research with a team at Newcastle University. Our projects included holding meetings to gather information about how proposed Highly Protected Marine Areas would affect both the professional and recreational fishers using that area, conducting the yearly review of the two northern IFCA’s, and a piece of work quantifying the effects of the crustation die offs in the north on fishers.   

I am looking forward to working with the Seafish team on the summer survey as I thoroughly enjoyed the projects we carried out in the North-East of England, highlighting the issues fishers face and quantifying it in a report to highlight the issues.  

What do you like to do for fun? 

I have always had a passion for traveling and have spent the last few years mostly abroad, my favourite place being Rio, Brazil. I was there for the carnival this year which was an incredible experience.   

I also enjoy baking, mainly cakes and bread (olive rosemary focaccia is my go-to!) and attending concerts and music events, the next one I am going to is Jamiroquai later this year!  

What are you looking forward to the most while working as a fleet researcher? 

I’m very excited to work in the fishing research sector again and hope to make a permanent move into this space after the survey is completed.  

I am also looking forward to exploring more fishing towns in the UK, when we were previously conducting research, it was over the winter months, so I am happy to be doing it in (hopefully) more favourable conditions!  

Join us in welcoming our 2025 Fleet Survey team, and look out for them, coming to your port soon! 

Take part in the fleet survey 

If you have any questions about the survey or you would like to take part in the 2024 Fishing Fleet Survey, please contact the team on fleet.survey@seafish.co.uk or call 07966 764150. 

To keep track of their travels and find out when they’ll be in your area, head over to our Fleet Survey page: