On 25 October, six regional Dutch sport fishing organisations together with EAA member Sportvisserij Nederland formally merged to create a new national angling organisation: Sportvisunie. The merger includes Hengelsport Federatie Midden Nederland, Sportvisserij Groningen Drenthe, Sportvisserij Limburg, Sportvisserij MidWest Nederland, Sportvisserij Oost-Nederland and Sportvisserij Zuidwest Nederland.Sportvisunie – A stronger voice for anglers in The Netherlands
The merger creates one of the largest sport fishing bodies in Europe, representing more than 700.000 members. The unified structure aims to strengthen advocacy for angling at local, regional and national levels, particularly at a time when access to fishing waters and regulatory pressures are increasing across Europe.
The organisation will continue to work with volunteers, clubs and anglers to ensure accessible, healthy fishing waters with sustainable fish stocks. Values such as respect for fish and water, connection with nature and community, and pride in Dutch angling tradition remain central.
For the European angling community, this merger represents a significant strengthening of the Netherlands’ voice within international fisheries dialogue—bringing together expertise, advocacy capacity and Europe-wide cooperation under one banner.
Photo credits: Sportvisunie
Organisation with a big societal value focussing also on sustainable management of fish populations
The Sportvisunie focuses on sustainable water management and healthy fish stocks as the basis for ecological balance. In addition, the organization is committed to the preservation and development of accessible waters that are suitable for recreational use. It does this in close collaboration with water boards, provinces, municipalities, nature organisations, knowledge institutions and other partners.
The Sportvisunie continues to invest in themes such as health, education, togetherness and nature experience. The Sportvisunie builds on decades of experience and a rich tradition.
Why the fusion was needed & how will this be organised?
Angling in The Netherlands is increasingly facing pressure, with municipalities and water authorities at times seeking to restrict or even prohibit the activity – writes the Sportvisunie. By joining together, the organisations aim to:
- Strengthen advocacy at local, regional and national level
- Respond more swiftly to regulatory developments
- Combine expertsie and resources
- Reduce duplication of work, freeing time & funds for services and new angling opportunities
The working of the Sportvisunie will ensure strong local engagement while enabling more effective national coordination.
To do so, Sportvisunie will organise its work as follows:
- A single national office will coordinate strategy & operations
- Existing regional federation offices will become regional branches; their working areas may be slightly adjusted but largely remain the same.
- A Members’ Council will be created. Angling clubs elect representatives from their region.
- Individual anglers will continue to elect their own representatives in the “Anglers Representatives”. This group will also receive a seat in the newly constructed “Members Council” as is currently the case in ALV of Sportvisserij Nederland
Although most Dutch federations have joined, Sportvisserij Fryslân has opted not to participate at this stage, but dialogue on future cooperation continues.
