At a seminar organised on Wednesday 23 March by MEPs Pierre Karleskind (Renew Europe, France) and Niclas Herbst (EPP, Germany), Chair of the ‘Forum on Recreational Fisheries and Aquatic Environment’, participants agreed that recreational fisheries should be integrated into the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
The European Commission is due to adopt a report by the end of 2022 on the implementation status of the CFP, including potential proposals.
David Vertegaal from the European Anglers Alliance (EAA) underlined that the recreational fisheries sector perfectly meets the objectives of the CFP. “Recreational fisheries support local communities, have little impact on habitats and fit in the Biodiversity Strategy”, he said.
Oliver Portrat, from the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA), recalled that the total economic impact of the sector is estimated to be €10.5 billion, of which €1.5 billion is spent on angling tackle.
Pierre Karleskind, Chair of the European Parliament Committee on Fisheries, also mentioned the ongoing revision of the Fisheries Control Regulation which is key for better monitoring recreational fishing.
Esben Sverdrup-Jensen, President of the European Association of Fish Producers Organisations, also argued for the inclusion of recreational fisheries in the CFP. In fact, this is a long-standing request (see EUROPE 12431/22). (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)