In 2023, the fishing and aquaculture industry in the UK employed approximately 8.86 thousand persons. Forecasts from 2024 to 2028 suggest a steady increase in employment numbers, starting from 9.02 thousand in 2024, reaching 9.64 thousand by 2028. This growth represents a consistent annual rise, with year-on-year increases approximately hovering around 1.78% from 2024 to 2025, 1.75% from 2025 to 2026, and slightly tapering yet ascending around 1.60% onwards. The compound annual growth rate over this five-year span averages approximately 1.71%.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of technological advancements on efficiency and workforce requirements, regulatory changes post-Brexit affecting labor and trade, and environmental considerations that could influence operational practices in the sector. Monitoring these factors will provide insights into how employment in this industry may further evolve.
