The lay of the land
Fisheries management includes those involved in:
This sector encompasses, for example, government funded research institutes, the Environment Agency, fisheries trusts, commercial fisheries, District Salmon Fishery Boards, angling clubs and learning providers.
Fisheries management in the UK works under different legislative and management systems. The three different areas are Scotland, England/Wales and Northern Ireland.
The industry in Scotland relies heavily on the nation’s world class natural fish resources. Angling contributes a minimum of £113 million to the Scottish economy, supported by around 2800 jobs and generating nearly £50 million in wages and self employment to Scottish households.
More people in England and Wales go fishing than take part in any other sport. Angler expenditure has been estimated at over £3 billion per year and much of this supports employment in rural areas where other job opportunities are limited. Wales enjoys a unique mix of community controlled (club-based) fisheries and private fisheries. The majority of river and lake inland fisheries in Wales have a long tradition of management by angling clubs whose officers secure no personal gain from running the clubs.
On the horizon
The following will have the largest impact on patterns of employment:
Good growth potential. Economic growth would mean more people employed within fisheries management, leisure and tourism
Water Framework Directive and other environmental issues will mean more people employed in inspecting and monitoring
A recent initiative in Wales has shown that marketing has increased the number of people coming to Wales to fish
As the industry grows there will be more volunteers required
To sustain more customers there will need to be training in customer services
Overseas customers may have greater and different demands to local people.
Digging deeper
Our research helps us to keep education and training relevant to your industry. We study the skills and labour requirements of the fisheries management industry, and ensure these needs are met through training.
For more detailed information, read the Fisheries Management Sector Skills Agreement Stage 5 Report.
