Effective governance of marine recreational fisheries in Europe is needed to maximize the societal benefits of its fisheries
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Marine recreational fishing (MRF) is a socially and economically relevant fishing activity in Europe, but its impacts on ecosystems and the economy remain poorly understood, and management is limited. This paper evaluates the current European fisheries governance, particularly the Common Fisheries Policy, in addressing MRF issues. Our evaluation highlights the lack of explicit recognition of MRF in European Union legislation, where recreational fisheries are not or insufficiently managed within a commercial fisheries-oriented policy framework. We recommend policy reform that explicitly recognizes recreational fisheries as a distinct fisheries sector with its own interests, values and objectives, and dynamics that differ from those typical in commercial fisheries. On the operational level, we recommend involving key organizations representing MRF interests in advisory groups dealing with marine fisheries, nature conservation, and marine spatial use, and encourage sustainable fishing practices among all types of fisheries. To achieve this, there is a need for better and more comprehensive data collection, stakeholder engagement, and outreach to support effective MRF governance and management. By addressing these issues, Europe can maximize the benefits of MRF, while ensuring the sustainability of fisheries.
Source: ICES Journal of Marine Science
Authors: Fabio Grati, Kieran Hyder, Estanis Mugerza, Robert Arlinghaus, Jerome Baudrier, Brigid Bell, Luca Bolognini, Annica I De Groote, Hugo Diogo, Kevin Haase, Pablo Pita, Warren Potts, Zachary Radford, Amelie Regimbart, Martina Scanu, Christian Skov, Didzis Ustups, Thomas Verleye, Jon Helge Vølstad, Marc Simon Weltersbach, Harry V Strehlow
Institutions: National Research Council, University of Palermo, University of East Anglia, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Norwich Research Park, AZTI, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Ifremer, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Universidade dos Açores, Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut, Universidade da Coruña, Rhodes University, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement, Dynamique et durabilité des écosystèmes : de la source à l'océan, Technical University of Denmark, Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”, Flanders Marine Institute, Norwegian Institute of Marine Research
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,751
OpenAlex ID: W4405296460