Seafish, the public body supporting the UK seafood industry, is calling on skippers and vessel owners to participate in its annual Fishing Fleet Survey, running from 14 July to 19 September 2025. Researchers will visit harbours across the UK to gather crucial data on business performance, crew demographics, and industry challenges—providing fishermen with a chance to voice their experiences and concerns.
Why Your Participation Matters
The Seafish Fishing Fleet Survey is the only comprehensive source of financial and operational data for the UK fishing fleet. The insights gathered help produce two key reports:
- Economics of the UK Fishing Fleet
- Employment in the UK Fishing Fleet
These reports inform policymakers, support funding applications, and help the industry navigate challenges like labour shortages, economic fluctuations, and safety improvements.
What’s in It for You?
By taking part in a 10–15-minute confidential interview, participants will receive:
✅ A free benchmark report comparing their business performance to similar vessels—useful for identifying improvements and supporting grant/loan applications.
✅ A printed Man Overboard Toolkit—a safety guide covering essential equipment, drills, and risk assessments, produced by the Home and Dry Fishing Safety Campaign.
Industry Recovery in Focus
Early insights from last year’s survey indicate a gradual recovery for the UK fleet after several tough years:
- Total fishing income rose 7% in 2024, reaching £1.1 billion.
- Landings increased by 15%, driven by higher catches of some pelagic species.
- Fishing activity returned to pre-pandemic levels, though the fleet size continues to decline.
The full 2024 Economics Report will be released later this summer, offering deeper insights into the sector’s financial health.
How to Get Involved
Researchers will be visiting harbours nationwide—check the [Seafish website](https://www.seafish.co.uk) for exact dates.
To pre-arrange an interview, email fleet.survey@seafish.co.uk with:
- Your name
- Vessel name
- Contact details
- Preferred time/date
Fleet Survey 2025 Timetable
Our researchers will be visiting ports and harbours across the UK between 14 July and 19 September 2025. Below are the scheduled dates for each region:
England
Dorset and Isle of Wight: 14-18 July
Durham and Yorkshire: 28 July - 1 August
Kent: 25-29 August
Norfolk: 11-15 August
North Cornwall and Devon: 28 July - 1 August
South East Cornwall: 18-22 August
South West Cornwall: 21-25 July
South Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire: 28 July - 1 August
Suffolk: 1-5 September
Sussex and East Hampshire: 14-18 July, 25-29 August
West Dorset and South Devon: 28 July - 1 August, 1-5 September
Scotland
Argyll and Bute: 18-22 August
Fife: 25-29 August
Lothian and Borders: 14-18 July
Mid West Highland: 18-22 August
North Argyll and Bute and Isle of Mull: 4-8 August
North East Highlands: 11-15 August
North West Highland: 14-18 July
Orkney: 4-8 August
Outer Hebrides: 4-8 August
Shetland: 1-5 September
South Argyll and Bute and Isle of Jura/Islay: 8-12 September
South East Aberdeen and Angus: 28 July - 1 August, 25-29 August
Wales
Glamorgan and South Dyfed: 21-25 July
North Dyfed and South Gwynedd: 28 July - 1 August
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland: 21-25 July
To confirm exact locations or arrange an interview in advance, please email fleet.survey@seafish.co.uk or visit the Seafish website for updates.
Juan Carlos Paredes Esclapez, Economics Project Manager at Seafish, says:
“This survey is vital in ensuring the UK fishing fleet gets the support it needs. We urge all skippers and vessel owners to participate—your input shapes the future of the industry.”
Don’t miss this opportunity to make your voice heard and help steer the UK fishing sector toward a stronger, more sustainable future.
#UKFishing #Seafish #FishingIndustry #Fishermen #MarineSafety #FleetSurvey
