Industry body Seafish is targeting the north-east next week as it starts its 12th annual economic survey of the UK fishing fleet.
Researchers will be in ports from Arbroath to Fraserburgh to gather data on fishing and vessel costs, while also canvassing skippers for their views on a range of industry issues.
Findings from the 2016 survey published earlier this month showed total UK fleet income increased by 19% to £919million last year.
Operating profits rose by an estimated 22% to £207million.
It was the catching sector’s best economic performance since 2008, and the 2017 survey will reveal whether the fleet is continuing to thrive.
Despite last year being positive for the industry in financial terms, some skippers and vessel owners highlighted concerns about the future.
Uncertainty in regulation and political developments, issues around quota availability and affordability and market prices made the list.
Seafish said its forthcoming round of research, with findings to be published in 2018, was crucial for uncovering the direction the industry is moving in as the UK negotiates its eventual exit from the European Union. Steve Lawrence, economics project manager, Seafish, said: “Our annual survey provides us with a detailed picture of the UK fishing fleet’s economic performance.
“The insight it provides means we can keep all those involved in the sector fully informed on the health of the fleet.
“The report is also made available to policymakers and it is a good opportunity for fishermen to voice their opinion on the big issues affecting them.”
Mr Lawrence added: “We had a great response to last year’s survey, with over 700 skippers and vessel owners taking part.
“We hope to increase the number of people we speak to this year so that the insight we gather is as accurate as possible.
“We appreciate the continued support of the fishing industry in the north-east and encourage all skippers and vessel owners in the area to speak to our researchers.”
The survey is supported by fishing federations and associations around the UK.
Vessel owners who take part can request a free financial audit, allowing them to compare their boat’s performance with others.
As well as the UK fleet report in 2018, Seafish will highlight some of the stories encountered by researchers in its annual Quay Issues magazine later this year.