Data, research and background information on recreational angling in Europe and beyond
Recreational Angling
Definition
Recreational Angling refers to the activity of catching or attempting to catch fish primarily by rod and line for leisure purposes and not for commercial sale. Recreational anglers do not sell the fish they catch.
Why it matters
Recreational Angling is one of Europe’s most widespread outdoor activities and generates important social, economic and environmental benefits. Anglers contribute to rural and coastal economies through tourism, equipment purchases and local services, while also supporting conservation and healthy fish stocks.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC DATA
Reliable data on participation and its socio-conomic impact are essential to understand the role of recreational angling in Europe’s fisheries, tourism and rural economies.
Explore recreational angling data across Europe on the interactive map
The map provides country-level information, when available, on:
- number of recreational anglers
- participation rates
- angling days per year
- economic contributions
- typical target species
- data is continuously updated
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Improving data on recreational fisheries
For many years, the European Anglers Alliance (EAA) and the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA) have advocated for the recognition of recreational fisheries within the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), which has historically focused primarily on commercial fisheries.
Reliable data on recreational angling participation and its socio-economic value remain limited and fragmented across Europe. Most available figures are derived from national studies, licence systems or targeted surveys rather than from harmonised EU-wide monitoring.
This contrasts with countries such as the United States, where long-standing funding mechanisms support comprehensive monitoring of recreational fisheries. Through the Sport Fish Restoration Program, excise taxes on fishing equipment and motorboat fuel finance fisheries research, conservation and data collection.
Improving the availability and quality of recreational fisheries data in Europe therefore remains a key objective for EAA and EFTTA.
Methodology
- Country information presented in the interactive map is based on the best available national studies, surveys and official statistics on recreational angling.
- Population figures are based on Eurostat data (2024). Participation rates are calculated relative to total national population unless otherwise indicated.
- Socio-economic figures may differ between countries depending on data availability, methodology and scope of the underlying studies. Where harmonised national data are not yet available, estimates are provided or data are marked as pending.
- Data is continuously updated as new information becomes available.
- Detailed references for each country are listed in the expanded country window that appears after a second click on the map.
References
- References for individual countries are available in the expanded information window of the interactive map and include national studies, government reports, academic research and fisheries management statistics.
