Ireland’s leading maritime newspaper covering the Coastal, Fishing and Maritime Communities

MARINE TIMES NEWS March 4th:
All time high response rate to latest BIM National Seafood Survey for Fisheries

The latest online fisheries National Seafood Survey (NSS) closed at the end of January. With over 1,027 surveys completed by vessel owners, this represents over 80% of the active Irish fleet in 2023.

This return rate is more than double the survey returns from last year and the highest response rate achieved for the fleet yet.

Survey returns from the inshore fleet, in particular, were significantly higher this year linked to BIM’s Inshore Fleet Economic Assessment Scheme. The high survey response rates this year have provided BIM with valuable insights into the impact of rising operating costs on the economic performance of the fleet, both at the national level and across individual fishing fleet segments.

Thank you from BIM

The team would like to thank all vessel owners, and skippers, for completing the survey this year. The annual survey of the fishing fleet and the subsequent submission of aggregated data to the European Commission would not be possible without the consistent support and assistance of skippers, vessel owners, and their representatives.

What is the purpose of the survey?

BIM conducts an annual online survey inviting all active vessels to submit economic, employment, and operational details for their previous year’s activity. Completing the survey is a legal requirement (Regulation (EU) 2017/1004 ) and a condition of EMFAF grant payment. The information received in these survey returns influence decisions made for national and EU grant aid programmes that are focused on supporting the Irish seafood industry and coastal communities.

Findings of the survey

The findings of the survey are published annually providing a comprehensive analysis of the economic performance of the fleet and the social demographics of people employed in the industry. Last year’s publication is available here . This year’s report will be available in September 2025.

For further information, please contact BIM National Seafood Survey Coordinator, Dr. Sarah Perry sarah.perry@bim.ie