Researchers are calling on vessel owners and skippers in Dorset to have their say on the state of the fishing industry.

This year’s economic survey of the UK fishing fleet is gathering data on fishing and vessel costs to provide a comprehensive overview of the financial and operational performance of the industry.

With the UK preparing to exit the European Union, it is vital fishers provide accurate data to paint a clear picture of the performance of the industry for policy makers.

Researchers from Seafish will be visiting fishing ports in Dorset and Hampshire from August 20-23.

Last year was said to be a mixed year for the fishing fleet, with operating profit seeing a 4 per cent decrease, but total fishing income rising by £38 million to reach £984 million. Many skippers raised the uncertain political and trade landscape, the availability of fish, oil and fuel price and quota as some of their main concerns.

The 2018 survey is a chance for the industry to give up to date information on their successes and upcoming challenges, helping their voices be heard.

The findings from the survey will be crucial for uncovering the direction the industry is moving in and give a clear insight on how fishers see the future of their industry.

Economics Project Manager at Seafish Steve Lawrence said: “We have to find out from those on the front line of the fishing industry how their economic performance has been. This insight means we can keep all those in the sector fully informed on the health of the fleet. For us to be able to keep policy makers informed with our reports we need as many skippers and vessel owners as possible to be involved and have their say.”

He added: “We appreciate the continued support of the Hampshire and Dorset fishing industry and encourage all skippers and vessel owners in the area to speak to our researchers.

“All vessel owners can request a free financial performance benchmark report which allows comparisons with the average performance of similar vessels.”

The survey is supported by the national federations and local associations around the UK. All information provided is treated as confidential and no individual vessel figures will be revealed in any report.

Anybody interested in taking part in the survey should contact Steve Lawrence at Seafish on 0131 524 8663 or email steven.lawrence@seafish.co.uk.