UK Fishing Fleet Survey
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The fleet survey is an annual research project that provides insight into the health of the UK's fishing sector. It gathers information on the economic performance of fishing vessels and the demographics of the people working within the industry.
The data helps build a clearer picture of the sector’s impact on coastal communities and supports a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by fishing businesses. The findings are used by both industry and policymakers to inform decisions, monitor trends, and assess the effects of fisheries management.
A reliable and representative picture of the fleet depends on participation from skippers and vessel owners across the UK.
Every summer, Seafish researchers will visit ports and harbours around the UK to carry out the survey, engaging directly with vessel owners and skippers.
The survey includes questions about:
- Financial and operational performance
- Crew structure and demographics
- Business changes over the past 12 months
- Future outlook
All information shared is treated in strict confidence. Data is anonymised, and no individual vessel or business is identifiable in any reports or outputs.
| Dates | Locations |
|
6 – 10 July |
SE-Aberdeenshire and Angus |
|
13 – 17 July |
SW-Cornwall, SE-Cornwall, N-Ireland, NW-Highland, )Lancashire and S-Cumbria |
|
20 – 24 July |
SW-Highland, S-Argyll&Bute, Isle of Jura/Islay, MidWest-Highland, Dorset and Isle of Wight, )N-Cumbria and E-Dumfries & Galloway |
|
27 – 31 July |
Sussex and E-Hampshire, N-Cornwall AND Devon, Kent, Fife, Argyll & Bute |
|
3 – 7 August |
Outer Hebrides, Norfolk, Shetland, Isle of Skye |
|
10 – 14 August |
Suffolk, N-Ireland, Orkney, Lothian and Borders, W-Dorset and S-Devon |
|
17 – 21 August |
NE-Highland, Northumberland and Tyne & Wear, N-Aberdeenshire and Moray, W-Dumfries & Galloway and Ayrshire, Durham and N-Yorkshire |
|
24 – 28 August |
SW-Cornwall, Glamorgan and S-Dyfed, N-Aberdeenshire and Moray, N-Argyll & Bute and Isle of Mull, Durham and N-Yorkshire |
|
31Aug – 4 Sept |
Merseyside and N-Wales, N-Dyfed and S-Gwynedd, SE-Aberdeenshire and Angus, S-Yorkshire and N-Lincolnshire |
Our researchers will always aim to visit as many harbours as possible but vessel owners who wish to take part can contact us directly:
Email: fleet.survey@seafish.co.uk
Please include
- Your name
- Email and/or phone number
- Port of operation
A researcher will get in touch to arrange a meeting in port or schedule a phone or video call if preferred.
Owners who provide financial data can request a free benchmarking report. This compares their vessel’s economic performance with similar vessels and can help identify any opportunities for improvement. These reports are also suitable for use in grant or loan applications.
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.
Mike Park from the Scottish White Fish Producers Association (SWFPA) on why fishing businesses should take part.
Jerry Percy from the New Under Ten Fishermen's Association (NUTFA) on why to take part in the Fleet survey.
Harry Wick from the Northern Ireland Fish Producers' Organisation (NIFPO) explains how Fleet Survey data helps him to represent fishermen better.