“Stakeholders” include the variety of people and organisations connected to UK Fisheries, with the catching sector at the heart of it all, and including all those working in connection with UK Fisheries that are able to affect, or be affected by the fisheries and seafood industry
Within UK waters there is the UK fleet, and foreign vessels permitted to fish in UK waters. There are also members of the UK fleet that fish beyond UK waters with permits, and where necessary, quota, to carry out activities in foreign waters.
Learn moreThere are a variety of different types of fishing vessels throughout the UK fishing fleet – and it is difficult to make clear definitions of vessels into specific categories. Fishing vessels are generally defined by size (under-10m or over 10m), and if they fish for quota or non-quota species. Quota species are when a total catch limit is set and fishing activity is monitored, whereas non-quota species probably do not have any catch limits, although they may have other management measures in place.
Learn moreUK fisheries focus on demersal species that live and feed near the seabed, pelagic species that live above the seabed, and shellfish. The UK fleet employs a variety of different fishing gear types – with numerous variations within each gear, to suit the target species. In general, fishing gears are divided into active gears that follow the target fish, including trawlers, dredges and pelagic nets, and passive gears that remain stationary and await an interaction from the target species such as pots, stationary nets and lines. The type of gear used is selected based on the target species, and adapted to minimise the capture of non-target species and minimise any effects on habitats and ecosystems.
Learn moreIn general, the fishing industry is made up of a large workforce working independently. In order to improve collaboration, progress and representation of individual vessels and fishermen, many groups may join an industry association or organisation.
Learn moreFish markets are generally attached to, or very nearby, fishing ports – so landings can be directly transferred to the market to sell on to fish merchants and intermediaries. The market will take a fee on the price of the sale for handling and selling the product.
Learn moreProcessors may prepare and package the “raw” harvested catch into a product ready for consumption by the final consumer. This could include sorting & grading, gutting & filleting fish or de-shelling and picking shellfish, dressing, chilling, freezing, smoking, canning etc. Processors must meet strict food safety and quality standards
Learn moreSeafood products may be bought and sold through intermediary buyers or merchants – sometimes known as the “middle man” – especially if they do not sell through a local fish market or have a more complex process to reach the end consumer. Intermediaries will generally be experts in the seafood market, who navigate the purchase, processing and transport logistics of the seafood supply chain. This is most typical for shellfish markets.
Learn moreLogistics usually depends on lorries and vans distributing fresh and frozen seafood around the UK or to Europe. Seafood may also be exported via air freight to countries further afield.
Learn moreRetailers and restaurants supply seafood to the end consumer.
The Discover Seafood Website can be used to:
(Anyone can register – including those who want to make direct sales from their boats.)
Learn moreThe seafood industry also comes together under industry groups to enhance collaboration and represent the interests of the industry. Frequently these groups include people who work directly in the catching sector (and vice versa).
Learn moreInfo on other industries supplying goods and services to Fisheries and Seafood Sector coming soon.
Learn moreGovernment research bodies and scientists carry out research & data collection and provide advice to the government about fisheries and the marine environment.
Learn morePrivate institutes and bodies that have an interest in working on marine science and fisheries – led by academics and researchers.
Learn moreThe Technology sector is made up of private companies and organisations that use expertise to develop new technology for a consumer market.
Learn moreScientific research and data collection requires funding. Public and private funding is available to support fisheries and marine science and technology development.
Learn moreCoastal states manage, or jointly manage, the fisheries within their Exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Learn moreCoastal states manage, or jointly manage, fisheries within their Exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Management of territorial waters (within 12 miles of the coastline) is divided between the devolved local and national administrations.
Learn moreRegional management varies widely throughout the UK and there are different scales and administrations that manage different aspects of fisheries, the marine environment and coastal communities.
Learn moreThe High Seas denote waters beyond the EEZ of any country. Beyond the UK EEZ are EU waters and territorial waters for non-EU countries that are adjacent to the UK (Norway & Iceland). When commercial fish stocks cross into the territorial waters of different countries and the high seas they are managed by bilateral or trilateral agreements and/or through Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs).
Learn moreVarious organisations work closely with management without being part of the UK administration. These are known as Non-departmental public bodies – or NDPBs – and Executive Agencies. They may collaborate with industry, promote business in the industry, collect data and carry out research.
Learn moreUK Ports and Harbours provide facilities and oversee operations for all maritime activities. The fishing industry makes up just one component of the activities within ports – there are other industries such as shipping, tourism and energy.
Learn moreAdvisory councils are an independent group of expert stakeholders who produce advice based on their knowledge and ability to evaluate many sources of information and recommend actions to decision-makers.
Learn moreIndustry groups are multi-stakeholder groups that include representatives from the fishing industry, science and other interest groups that provide a platform to discuss management and sustainability issues.
Learn moreIn fisheries, Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) is a term used to identify independent social and environmental organisations that work to support specific causes in the marine and fishing sector. Charities & Trusts are independent organisations focused on goals for public benefit. In the fisheries sector, these are generally related to welfare & social issues and protecting the marine environment.
Learn moreInfo on recreational fishing and other recreational uses coming soon.
Info on other industries & Marine Spatial Planning coming soon.
Info on Military and Defence coming soon.
Info on Oil, Gas, Mining, and Renewable Energy coming soon.
Info on Shipping, Navigation & Transport coming soon.
Trainers provide career and safety education to people working in fisheries and seafood supply chains.
Learn moreFishing media keeps people connected with the fishing industry updated with progress, news and relevant context and opinions.
Learn moreTo find out more about funding please see the Funding section.
At the centre of the industry there is an 11,000 strong workforce working onboard approximately 4300 fishing vessels. These vessels vary in size, how much they catch, different fishing grounds and landing ports, if they are dayboats or work over multi-day trips, and the types of fishing gear and species they target.
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For every person working at sea, it is estimated that between 4 and 7 people are working onshore within the seafood industry. The Seafood Supply Chain refers to the stage between seafood being landed until it reaches the end consumer. Seafood supply chains can vary widely – both in the number of different steps seafood transitions through, as well as the nature of each step.
Learn moreSince the end of the Brexit transition period (1 January 2021), the UK operates as an independent coastal state. As such the Government has full responsibility for managing fisheries in the UK’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
As fisheries management is devolved – i.e. it is delegated from central government to the administrations of England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland in line with the centralised fisheries policy & governance.
Fisheries and marine science, research and technology are carried out by public and private organisations, with experienced academics and researchers.
Learn moreA whole host of wider organisations and industries support and interact with the fishing industry. These may share the physical marine space, have an interest in the marine environment and fishing, and be able to influence business, policy and science.