Skippers and vessel owners in the Outer Hebrides are being urged to take part in a major research project to better understand the UK’s fishing fleet and its economic performance.
Researchers from Seafish, the public body supporting the £10 billion UK seafood industry, will be visiting the islands from September 2-6 to collect data on the financial and operational performance of vessels.
The results of the annual survey play a vital role in painting a picture of the UK fleet, its economic performance and the challenges it faces as it prepares for life outside of the EU.
Seafish economics project manager Steve Lawrence said: “The UK fleet survey is the major piece of research into the health of the sector, touching on both the economics of those that make a living from it and its social impact on communities built around it.
“The results are always pored over by industry, as well as those looking to understand how management measures and policies play out practically.”
The researchers will be paying a visit to Stornoway, North Lochs, North Harris, Scalpay, South Harris, Stockinish, Leverburgh, Bernera (Lewis), Lochmaddy, North Uist, Kallin, Benbecula, Loch Carnan, Lochboisdale, South Uist and Eriskay, Barra, Northbay, Castlebay, Bernera (North Uist), Carloway, Back, Portnaguran and Ness.