The European Anglers Alliance is pleased to welcome the Fédération Nationale de la Pêche en France et de la protection du milieu aquatique (FNPF) as a new member from France. In this article we introduce this new member further.
A nationwide network of anglers and river protectors
The FNPF represents France’s extensive network of freshwater recreational fishing organisations. It brings together:
- 94 departmental federations,
- 12 regional associations and
- around 3,500 local approved associations for fishing and the protection of aquatic environments covering the entire country
With approximately 1,000 employees and 68,000 volunteers, the FNPF represents around 1.5 million anglers[1] including:
- 374,000 young people under the age of 18 and
- around 110,000 women.
Recreational fishing in French freshwater ecosystems is also estimated to contribute €2 billion annually to the French economy, including through tourism and local development. See the FNPF’s 2025 key figures and below (French only).
[1] Numbers from 2025
(c) FNPF
Protecting France’s rivers & aquatic biodiversity
Protecting freshwater ecosystems is central to the FNPF’s work. Its network monitors rivers and lakes, restores habitats affected by human activities or weather conditions, supports declining fish populations and frequently provides early warnings and solutions when pollution or other damage occurs.
Through its national “Sauvons nos rivières” (“Save our rivers”) campaign, the FNPF raises awareness among both public authorities and citizens about the growing pressures on freshwater ecosystems – incl. rivers. Its successive campaigns have addressed water scarcity, the decline of migratory fish, the need for better knowledge and action, and the protection of small watercourses.
These priorities are closely connected to current European discussions on water resilience, implementation of the Water Framework Directive, river restoration, migratory fish and biodiversity protection – on which the EAA has been working extensively over the past decade.
Bringing the voice of French anglers to Europe
By joining the EAA, the FNPF brings the experience, expertise and perspectives of one of Europe’s largest freshwater angling communities to the European level.
Its membership will strengthen cooperation among recreational fishing organisations across Europe and reinforce the sector’s collective contribution to EU debates on water, biodiversity, river restoration and climate resilience.
“We are joining a mobilized organization, rich in more than thirty years of history and work. This membership reflects our desire to bring together the national fishing bodies of the various European countries, to carry the interests of recreational fishermen with a strong and collective voice. The FNPF, the official interlocutor for recreational fishing in France, will bring to the EAA all the expertise and experience of its large-scale network. – Claude Roustan, President of FNPF
“We are delighted to welcome FNPF to EAA. Its expertise and extensive network will strengthen our collective efforts to protect aquatic environments and promote recreational fisheries across Europe. Together, we can give anglers a stronger voice in EU policymaking and secure greater recognition of their contribution to conservation and local communities,” – Mark Owen, President of the EAA
Find out more about the FNPF on its official website.
