The Scottish Government's overall objective of this study was to assess the impact of the Cod Recovery Plan, the West of Scotland measures and the economic downturn on the fishing industry. Four key fleet segments were selected:
- North Sea/West of Scotland >24m demersal trawl (single rig);
- North Sea/West of Scotland pair trawl / seine;
- North Sea nephrops twin-rig; and
- West of Scotland nephrops twin-rig.
Seafish addressed this issue by undertaking industry interviews and by producing detailed profit forecasts and scenario analyses to isolate the effect of key variables on the financial performance of the agreed segments.
Seafish interviewed thirty-six vessel owners to determine and understand the typical business choices that vessel owners are making in response to the restrictions of the CRP and the WoS measures. The interviewers explored vessel owners' views on fisheries management measures and the key factors affecting financial performance in 2009.