Sustainable revenue: unlock your harbour authority's potential

The collection of payments for services is the primary source of funding for most harbour authorities (HAs). These funds are crucial for operating a harbour. They are collected in exchange for the provision of services to the commercial fishing industry and, ultimately, for ensuring ongoing harbour operations.

Savvy practices to help you improve your bottom line

Seize the opportunity to strengthen your HA

Additional revenues provide benefits and can create opportunities to:

• cover operational costs
• hire staff (ex. bookkeeper, harbour manager, etc.) to alleviate pressure on employees and volunteers
• invest in HA owned equipment (ex: office space)
• conduct special projects (ex. open houses, volunteer recognition, etc.)
• participate in conferences, training opportunities and meetings
• ensure lease compliance
• cover unexpected expenses

Develop a pricing table

A good practice is to review your berthage/moorage fees at least once a year:

• when setting your fees, clearly determine what services are included in your pricing table
• consider various aspects such as user type, vessel length, usage period and power usage
• make sure to consider inflation and rising costs
• do not hesitate to compare rates with neighboring harbours as this can help you stay comparable and fair
• ensure any fee changes are approved by the HA board and documented in the minutes

Determine your worth

Be wary of potential conflict of interest, such as low moorage fees to keep some people happy. Handle concerns proactively: some users may push back against fee increases. If this happens, seek advice from your SCH contact, and other HAs, on how to manage the situation.

Address high-cost services

• Track high-cost services separately, such as a travel lift, to cover maintenance and operation costs. If the service is losing money, it should be reevaluated
• Electrical fees are a major expense. Many harbours lose money by not collecting dues properly. If possible, charge these fees separately and per usage to ensure cost is covered off

Explore opportunities to generate revenue

There are many opportunities to increase revenue. Many harbours charge fees for additional services. Consider setting rates for some of the following services when these are feasible for your HA:

• Amenities
• Boat launch
• Commercial use of water lot
• Drive-on loading dock
• Filming
• Fish sales
• Fishing gear storage
• Hours courtesy (transient vessels)
• Ice
• Locker rental
• Parking (per day: commercial/non-commercial users)
• Pump Rental
• Tidal grid
• Vessel pump outs/salvage
• Waste management
• Wharf head
• Winch / crane usage

Why not organize special activities that aren't part of a harbour's regular services? For example:

• organize a lottery with donated prizes (ex: a boat trip)
• organize a 50/50
• family activities
• fund raising activity
• market, etc.