Fishery Barometer 2012: economic outlook of Finnish fishery enterprises

The study examines the economic prospects and trends of fishery enterprises in Finland, based on a survey conducted in February 2012. Enterprises were asked to evaluate a range of economic parameters. The current situation was compared with the previous 12 month period and with expectations for the following 12 months.

Enterprises were divided into fishing, aquaculture, processing and the wholesale or retail trade. The results are presented as indicators weighted based on questions concerning the financial status, turnover and investments of the enterprises. In addition, the results are compared to similar surveys conducted in the years 2000–2011.

In the evaluation by sector, the processing and retail trade forecast strongly positive trends. The wholesale trade saw slightly positive trends. Trends in fishing and aquaculture were slightly downwards. All sectors saw an improving economic outlook over the next 12 months. Faith in the future was stronger when the results were weighted by the turnover of the enterprises concerned. Here, the perspectives of large companies were emphasised.

The survey population consisted of all fisheries sector enterprises included in the Statistics Finland business register. A total of 860 firms and entrepreneurs were therefore included in the survey population. The final net sample included 431 enterprises, of which 78% took part in the interviews. To ensure a sufficient number of observations for all strata, the sample was based on fixed quotas.