RecFish Forum

European Parliament Forum on Recreational Fisheries and Aquatic Environment

The European Parliament Forum on Recreational Fisheries and Aquatic Environment provides a platform for dialogue between Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and stakeholders from the recreational fisheries sector. The Forum is supported by the European Anglers Alliance (EAA) and the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA).

Much of the legislation discussed in the European Parliament has a direct impact on the aquatic environment and fish stocks, and therefore on the quality of the angling experience and the well-being of Europe’s angling community.

The Forum aims to:

  • improve the communication and contact between MEPs and their approximately 25 million angling constituents across Europe;

  • provide a platform for discussion on issues related to the European Parliament agenda, including the Common Fisheries Policy, biodiversity, invasive species, the Water Framework Directive, ecosystem services, rural development, fishing tourism and other relevant topics;

  • give MEPs access to the expertise of EAA and EFTTA, as well as to a broad network of scientists and sector representatives.

Through their engagement in expert committees and advisory bodies, EAA and EFTTA also follow and contribute to the legislative process from its early stages through adoption and implementation. Members of the Forum can benefit from this knowledge and insight.

During the 2019–2024 European Parliamentary mandate, the RecFishing Forum served as a cross-party platform connecting Members of the European Parliament with the recreational fisheries sector, its scientists and policy experts. This dialogue helped bring the perspectives of Europe’s recreational fisheries community into EU policy discussions.

Over the mandate, the Forum organised 10 events, including conferences and webinars, addressing key topics such as the integration of recreational fisheries into the Common Fisheries Policy, sustainable fisheries management, the Nature Restoration Law, and the contribution of angling to Europe’s tourism sector and rural economies.

 

RecFishing Forum secretariat:

 

Newsletter (archive) of the Blue & Green newsletter of the RecFishing Forum

2024 – 2029 (10th mandate of EU Parliament)

2019 – 2024 (9th mandate of EU Parliament)

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