As far as the larger vessels are concerned, decommissioning (scrapping) and structural arrangements (Unit quota or Structural quota system) are the most important factors explaining the reduction in the number of vessels. Most of these vessels were less than 15 metres long. A3) indicated that the profitability in the fishing fleet as a whole was good in 2006. Of a total of 18 vessel groups, 17 vessel groups showed a positive operating profit.