HAMPSHIRE fishing fleets are being encouraged to take park in a crucial survey.

Seafish researchers are calling on vessel owners and skippers in the county to have their say on the condition of the fishing industry.

The 13th annual economic survey is travelling across the UK gathering data on fishing and vessel costs to provide an extensive profile of the industry’s behaviour.

With the UK preparing to leave the European Union, policy makers are after accurate data to understand the performance of the industry.

Steve Lawrence, economics project manager at Seafish, said: “We have to find out from those on the front line of the fishing industry how their economic performance has been over the past 12 months.

“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.”

Seafish is a public body. The oragnisation covers the seafood industry, providing stats, research and a range of business and industry support tools.

Researchers will be visiting fishing ports between Portsmouth and Poole from August 20 to 23.

This year’s survey will include a social demographic section, asking fishers about their age, qualifications and working arrangements.

All information collected by Seafish is treated as confidential and no individual vessel figures will be revealed in any report.

Last year was mixed for the fishing fleet with operating profis down 4%, but with total fishing income rising by £38 million.

The survey for 2018, to be published next year, is a chance for the industry’s voices to be heard by giving up date information on their successes and upcoming challenges.

Those interested in taking part in the survey should contact Steve Lawrence at Seafish on 01315 248663 or email steven.lawrence@seafish.co.uk.

To view the results of last year’s report, visit the Seafish website at seafish.org.