Fishing Cost Data Collection and Implications in Fisheries Management: Overcoming Obstacles for Cost Data Collection by Engaging with Participants and Demonstrating the Value of Data 

Suggested Bibliographic Reference: Challenging New Frontiers in the Global Seafood Sector: Proceedings of the Eighteenth Biennial Conference of the International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade, July 11-15, 2016. Compiled by Stefani J. Evers and Ann L. Shriver. International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade (IIFET), Corvallis, 2016.Proceedings of the Eighteenth Biennial Conference of the International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade, held July 11-15, 2016 at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Center (AECC), Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.Since 2005, Seafish has collected economic data on the UK fishing fleet for submission to the European Commission on behalf of the United Kingdom. This data is collected via an annual survey followed by the voluntary submission of financial accounts. Because there is no obligation for fishing business owners to participate, it can be difficult to convince them to release sensitive financial information. With a focus on Seafish's annual fleet survey, this paper will present some of the obstacles faced including data confidentiality, an ‘us versus them' mentality and the availability of data. In addition, the paper will outline methods used to engage with survey participants and how some of the obstacles identified have been overcome. The paper intends to start on a national level and progress to the level of individual interactions. It will consider how national data is made relevant to individuals who feel detached from the bigger picture and how the value of this data is demonstrated. It will then examine the topic from a local view; it will consider survey response rates in different parts of the country and look at how Seafish works with industry bodies to drive participation. The paper will then look at how relationships with individual fishermen are built; it will address the importance of face to face contact and look at the development of economic reports designed with this target audience in mind. Finally, the paper will look forward to new opportunities to connect with participants driven by advances in technology.