Fishermen urged to participate in vital South West survey – Fishupdate.com

Fishermen urged to participate in vital South West survey Published:  15 March, 2005

FISHERMEN working in the South West of England are being urged to take part in a vital new economic study of the local industry being conducted by the Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish).

Invest in Fish South West is a new initiative that aims to develop a strategy to sustain and further improve local fish stocks in the long-term. The project is currently evaluating which fisheries management options would best benefit the South West economically, socially and environmentally. As part of this, Seafish is collecting economic data from the South West fishing fleet to better understand the potential effect these different fisheries management options may have on fishermen.

Jim Watson, Seafish Senior Economist, said: “We need to collect accurate costs and earnings information on the South West fleet to ensure the results are representative of the different sectors of the local industry.

“Participation in the survey will be easy – all vessel owners need to do is either sign a release form that allows us to contact their accountant, or complete a questionnaire that should take no more than 15 minutes. “

A number of local vessel owners have already been interviewed or agreed to participate in this important project. To give all vessel owners the opportunity to participate, a questionnaire will shortly be sent to all vessel owners, from single handed day boats to 30 metre beam trawlers.

Spike Searle of Invest in Fish South West urged vessel owners to participate.

He said: “The Invest in Fish project is working closely with local fishermen and their representatives and is gaining support in its drive to develop a strategy for sustainable South West fisheries. This information is a vital part of the initiative, and I would encourage all vessel owners and skippers to participate.”

Jim Watson said: “Seafish has a proven record in conducting such research, and will treat all information collected in confidence. All details that can identify individual vessels will be kept strictly private and confidential.”

If you have any questions regarding the survey please contact Ross Leach on 0131 524 8661 (r_leach@seafish.co.uk), Jim Watson on 0131 524 8663, (j_watson@seafish.co.uk), or Spike Searle at Invest in Fish on 01736 333733.

www.fishupdate.com is published by Special Publications. Special Publications also publish European Fish Trader, Fishing Monthly, Fish Farming Today, Fish Farmer, the Fish Industry Yearbook, the Scottish Fishermens’ Federation Diary, the Scottish Seafood Processors Federation Diary, the Fish Farmer Handbook and a range of wallplanners.