Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency is hosting a series of information meetings about the National Seafood Survey with vessel owners at various ports from October onwards. These events will include discussions about the importance of returning the annual survey and will include demonstrations on how to register for and complete the 2022 online survey.
Earlier this year, BIM appointed Dr Sarah Perry as its National Seafood Survey Coordinator for fisheries and aquaculture. Sarah has worked in the marine sector for the past 15 years providing technical policy guidance and stakeholder engagement expertise to governments in Ireland, north-west Europe, and Africa. As part of her new role at BIM, she also coordinates Ireland’s socio-economic data collection framework under EU MAP (Multi-Annual Programme) legislation.
Sarah has a PhD in Marine Resource Management with a focus on fisheries and aquaculture and a Masters in Applied Coastal and Marine Management with GIS. Prior to joining BIM, she worked in the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, University College Cork, and the Marine Institute.
What is the National Seafood Survey for fisheries?
The annual survey asks a series of questions about the financial and operational performance of fishing vessels and the demographics of the crew. It is also an opportunity for industry to report how they have navigated challenges and changes such as the impacts of Brexit, COVID-19 and increasing fuel costs. All data and information shared with BIM as part of the survey returns are treated in the strictest confidence and stored in a protected and secure database with limited access. Data is anonymised and no figures relating to any individual or specific vessel are revealed in any outputs reported as a national or European level.
Why is it important to return your survey on an annual basis?
Data collected as part of the National Seafood Survey provides insights into the economic performance status of Ireland’s catching sector. It also provides insights into the social demographics of people employed in the sector on an annual basis. It is a legal requirement to complete and return the survey (S.I. No. 132 of 2010) and a condition of grant aid payment. It is also an integral part of fisheries performance data that Ireland is obligated to report to the EU. Creating an accurate picture of the industry relies on consistent support and goodwill from skippers and vessel owners to provide economic and operational data on an annual basis.
The results of the survey help both industry and policy makers to examine the current challenges impacting the industry, understand the challenges and opportunities they face, as well as the impact of fisheries management measures. The survey returns also form the basis for the justification of national and EU grant aid programmes, focused on supporting the industry and coastal communities, under the Common Fisheries Policy.
Data collected from last year’s survey will be published in September in BIM’s Annual Fisheries Report. This report provides insights and trends for the financial and operational performance of the Irish fishing fleet and the potential drivers behind them based on the economic data for 2020 operations along with projections on the performance of the industry in 2022.
Why has the survey moved online?
While traditionally the National Seafood Survey for fisheries was conducted by a postal survey, in 2021 BIM moved the survey online to help make the process of providing data easier and more secure.
When is the next survey taking place?
The next online survey will open in October 2022 and end on 31 January 2023. All active vessels are requested to submit economic, employment and operational details for their 2021 operations.
When is BIM hosting the National Seafood Survey events this autumn and how can I find out more?
Specific dates have yet to be confirmed but if you would like to register your interest in attending, please email DCFData@bim.ie
