The European Anglers Alliance (EAA) believes it is high time to fully include Marine Recreational Fisheries (MRF) in the Common Fisheries Policy. Recreational fisheries generate high social and economic value, support coastal and rural communities, and generally have a lower environmental impact than many other fishing activities, yet they remain underrepresented in CFP decision-making.
Healthy fish stocks are our capital, and the CFP is the framework managing that shared public resource. To deliver a resilient, growth-oriented and sustainable blue economy, recreational anglers must have a seat at the table. Better integration of MRF into the CFP will lead to better data, better policy, better business and better lives.
EAA position – at a glance
The full position paper, including notes and references, can be downloaded below.
- Fully integrate Marine Recreational Fisheries into the CFP >> Recognise MRF as an integral part of EU fisheries management, alongside commercial fisheries and aquaculture.
- Implement Article 17 effectively >> Apply transparent, objective and science-based allocation criteria that reward fisheries with high socio-economic value and low environmental impact.
- Ensure fair representation of recreational anglers >> Involve anglers in management decisions to strengthen legitimacy, compliance and acceptance.
- Develop management objectives suited to MRF >> Introduce angler-specific and ecosystem-based objectives, including growth-oriented approaches where appropriate.
- Improve data and scientific frameworks >> Invest in robust data collection and assessment tools for recreational fisheries.
- Support coastal economies and jobs >> Use CFP implementation to unlock the full potential of recreational fisheries for sustainable local development.
