Photo by Paul Einerhand

The Marine Management Organisation has published its annual UK Sea Fisheries Statistics for 2024, revealing modest growth in landings alongside a continued long-term decline in fishing effort. The report provides a comprehensive overview of fishing activity across all UK fishing authorities.

In 2024, UK vessels landed 745 thousand tonnes of sea fish with a value of £1.16 billion. Compared to 2023, this represents an increase of 4% in quantity (26 thousand tonnes) and 5% in value (£53.88 million).

The UK fishing fleet comprised 5,232 registered vessels in 2024. Approximately 79% of the fleet—4,140 vessels—are under 10 metres in length, though these smaller vessels account for just 4% of total landings by quantity.

Fishing effort, measured as kilowatt days at sea, has declined by around 40% since 2004 among the over-10-metre fleet. Most of this reduction is driven by a 41% decline in effort within the demersal trawl and seine segment.

The report also covers international trade in fisheries products. In 2024, the UK imported 633 thousand tonnes of fish and fish preparations valued at £3.5 billion, whilst exporting 380 thousand tonnes valued at £2.0 billion.

The Sea Fisheries Statistics brings together data for all UK fishing authorities to provide a complete picture of fishing activity, including fleet size and composition, landings volume and value, fishing effort and trade of fisheries products.

The full report, tables and underlying datasets are available on the GOV.UK website.