The European Parliament adopted by 601 votes to 43 with 27 abstentions, a resolution on the state of recreational fisheries in the European Union.
The estimated number of those practising marine recreational fishing in Europe stands at between 8.7 and 9 million people, or 1.6 % of the European population. Members considered that the economic, social and environmental importance of this activity should be analysed when considering future regulations since recreational fishing has more and more enthusiasts in most European countries, which could have a significant impact on fisheries resources.
Furthermore, the UKs withdrawal from the Union should be taken into consideration for the future management of maritime recreational fisheries, in view of the importance of this activity in the UK and its significance for shared fish stocks.
Improving data collection: Parliament stressed the importance of collecting sufficient data on recreational fisheries, and on maritime recreational fisheries in particular, in order to properly evaluate the total fishing mortality levels for all stocks. Data should be collected on the number of recreational fishermen, the volume of their catches and the added value that they generate in coastal communities.
The Commission is urged to:
The Commission should extend the scope of the European Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF) to financially support research and analysis of the data collected.
Respect for the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP): Members highlighted the fact that Member States should ensure that recreational fishing activities are sustainable and respect the objectives of the CFP. They emphasised the need to protect the artisanal fleet and to ensure its survival and generational replacement in the face of the expansion of recreational activity linked to recreational ports and seasonal tourism. Furthermore, the Commission should include and improve the existing provisions for recreational fishing in the new control regulation.
Common definition: there is no single agreed, clear definition of recreational fishing at EU level, and this makes it very difficult to control recreational fishing, collect data on it and assess its impact on fish stocks and the environment or its economic importance. The Commission was called upon to propose a uniform definition for recreational fishing at EU level that clearly differentiates recreational from commercial and semi-substance fisheries, based on the principle that recreational catches should never be sold.
Members also highlighted the need to lay down basic rules for the management of recreational fishing and suggested that a catalogue of recreational fishing activities, which should include information about fishing gear and operations and a description of fishing areas, target species and by-catches, should also be drawn up.
Lastly, Parliament urged the Commission to support, including financially, the development of recreational fishing in the tourism sector, as an important factor in the development of the blue economy in small communities, coastal communities and islands, particularly in the outermost regions.