A new report, the Fishing Industry Social Survey (FISS), shares the findings from the first-ever national, statistically robust, and open-access dataset focused on the everyday lives and views of fishermen in England. The survey was commissioned by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and conducted between January and March 2025. The aim was to gather social information to complement existing data on economic performance and fleet composition.
The FISS reports the following key findings:
- Fishing as a Way of Life, But Under Pressure: A large majority of respondents are motivated by 'fishing as a way of life' (94%) and the appeal of 'being their own boss' (88%). Job satisfaction is strong (79% 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with the enjoyment of their work), but this livelihood is stressed by 'fisheries rules, regulations and administration' (85%), 'spatial squeeze from other marine users' (73%), and 'uncertainty about the future' (65%).
- Mixed Views on Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs): While 82% had heard of FMPs or taken part in the process, only a small proportion of those engaged felt fully engaged (31%), or that the FMPs considered the needs of a wide range of stakeholders (29%). Half of those engaged believe FMPs may have negative long-term implications for the industry economically (49%), socially and culturally (48%), and their own livelihoods (49%).
- The Future of the Workforce: The industry faces a potential succession challenge, with 69% of the primarily skipper respondents aged 50 or older, and only 9% under 35. Workforce shortages are a current issue, with 63% of respondents reporting that a lack of crew causes them stress.
- Representative Support Structures and the Collective Voice: 67% of respondents are members of representative organisations. Although 82% view 'good local representation and organisation of fishermen' as important to job security, one-third (33%) are not members of any such group.
- Economic Pressures and the Importance of Flexibility: 56% of respondents were dissatisfied with the long-term economic viability of working in fishing. Flexibility is key to resilience; 77% see the ability to switch gears on vessels as important to job security, and one-third (33%) have other income outside of fishing.
- Port Infrastructure: Satisfaction with port infrastructure is mixed. Around half were satisfied with facilities like safe embarkation/disembarkation (51%), ice facilities (49%), and refrigerated storage (48%). Dissatisfaction was expressed with facilities for vessel maintenance (51%), toilet and shower facilities (44%), and recycling/disposing of broken gear (41%).
- Strong Support for Marine Conservation, If Aligned with Livelihoods: 80% of fishermen surveyed view marine conservation and restoration as important to their job security, linking environmental concerns to social and economic considerations.
Recommendations and Looking Ahead
The FISS headliner report does not contain specific recommendations, but it outlines how the survey results will be used and how the process will continue. The results are intended to provide a more accurate representation of life in fishing communities, helping to inform future policies that ensure a sustainable and prosperous industry.
The intention for the future is as follows:
- Regular Updates: The survey is expected to run once per year or every two years in England to regularly update the evidence base and track changes over time.
- New Participants: A largely new group of fishermen will be invited to participate in each subsequent survey.
- Adaptable Questions: Some questions may be replaced or updated in future surveys to account for emerging issues while maintaining a core set of regular questions.
- Potential for Roll-out in Devolved Governments: Policymakers from the devolved governments were consulted on the potential for future roll-out in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Informing Policy: The FISS will help build a reliable, responsive evidence base for decision-making, ensuring that social benefits and the needs of fishermen and their communities are considered, aligning with the sustainability objective of the Fisheries Act (2020). It is hoped the data will inform future management decisions and policies, providing a mechanism for the voices of the fishing industry to reach policymakers.
