EAA & EFTTA position on recreational fisheries provisions
The EU is revising its Fisheries Control System, with implications for both commercial and recreational fisheries. Following the 2024 European elections, the European Parliament has decided to restart work on the file from scratch, with Clara Aguilera appointed as rapporteur. While many elements of the European Commission proposal are welcomed, the European Anglers Alliance (EAA) and the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA) focus here on the provisions affecting recreational fisheries and call for fair, proportionate and workable rules.
Against this background, find the following summary of the key points of the EAA & EFTTA position. Overall, EAA and EFTTA call for proportionate, workable and evidence-based rules that improve data and compliance without discouraging participation or harming the socio-economic value of recreational fisheries across Europe.
The full position paper, including notes and references, can be downloaded below.
- Fairness between sectors >> Recreational fisheries must not be subject to stricter or more burdensome controls than small-scale commercial fisheries.
- Registration or licensing of recreational fishers (Art. 55) >> EAA & EFTTA support compulsory registration or licensing to improve data quality, while strongly defending Member States’ freedom to choose the system.
- No mandatory fees by default >> Where new systems are introduced, they should be free of charge unless fees are clearly earmarked for recreational fisheries projects and agreed with the sector.
- Targeted catch reporting >> Mandatory reporting should be limited to stocks subject to EU conservation measures, with electronic reporting prioritised but non-digital options retained.
- Gear marking – yes, but proportionate >> Marking of recreational nets and traps is supported; rod-and-line angling gear must be exempt.
- Opposition to recreational vessel registers >> Registering recreational vessels based on possible target species is unnecessary, impractical and adds no management value.
- Tracking of recreational vessels – reject as a rule >> Vessel tracking is opposed, except possibly for recreational vessels authorised to fish inside Marine Protected Areas, where specific justification exists.
- Serious infringements need a rewrite >> Applying commercial fisheries infringement rules to recreational fishing is inappropriate; penalties should be progressive and focus on repeat offences.
- Member State responsibility for fines >> Member States should set fines, with EU intervention only if enforcement is ineffective or non-deterrent.
- Charter boats need a clear definition >> Skippered charter boats should be clearly defined and recognised as a distinct segment; vessel rules may mirror small-scale commercial fisheries, but catches must remain attributed to individual anglers—not the vessel.
