Angling Trust's Head of Marine David Mitchell (right) with EAA President Fred Bloot (left) and new EU Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius

Angling Trust

04 December 2019

Making your voice heard! Angling Trust at relaunch of European Parliament’s Recfishing Forum

David Mitchell, the Angling Trust’s Head of Marine, went to the European Parliament in Strasbourg with colleagues from the European Anglers Alliance for the relaunch of the Forum on Recreational Fishing and the Aquatic Environment. 

EU legislation is increasingly including recreational fishing – but not in a positive way – and may continue to do so even after the UK leaves the EU. 

David met the new EU Commissioner and a number of MEPs from different parties including Chris Davies who is chair of the Parliament’s influential Fisheries Committee. 

David raised a number of issues with Mr Davies including proposals for recreational fishing in EU legislation and the outcome for sharks at the recent ICCAT meeting. He also highlighted the importance of shark fishing in South West England and Wales.  

Hosted by German MEP Niclas Herbst, representatives from the EAA were joined by colleagues from the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA) and Members of the European Parliament from a number of EU countries.  

As Chair of the event, Niclas Herbst underlined the importance of the Recfishing Forum and said: “I am convinced that the discussions we have in the Forum matter a lot for us as MEPs, to regularly check with stakeholders and people that the policies we adopt are practicable and fit for purpose.”  

Mr Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries said that anglers’ commitment to sustainable fisheries and conservation of the environment fit in with some of his key priorities such as clean water and full implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy. 

He also stressed that “data is gold” and added: “We need more data on the recreational fisheries sector to make sure that our decisions are based on scientific evidence.”  

Fred Bloot, EAA President and Jean-Claude Bel, former EFTTA CEO recalled the economic and social benefits that recreational fishing provides to Europe: more than 25 million Europeans are anglers and generate more than €20 billion of yearly economic value by practicing their hobby. 

“This is about a leisure activity that brings people together, contributes to the conservation of the environment and biodiversity, provides jobs in many SMEs and perspectives to communities in coastal and rural areas” said Mr Bel. 

“Recreational fishing also offers a positive contribution to health, social and cultural well-being of citizens and communities in Europe,” continued Fred Bloot. “Together we can make better policies in Europe in the area of fisheries and environment,” he added, highlighting the Common Fisheries Policy and the Water Framework Directive as two key legislations to work on. 

Share

You might also like




Competitions
27 January 2023

FISHOMANIA TICKETS & QUALIFIERS ANNOUNCEMENT

GET ready for FishO Friday! The hottest tickets in angling go on sale on Friday February 3 as the Fi…
Read more Read more
News
06 May 2022

Neil Bryant Steps Down from Angling Trust National Sea…

After 16 years working with the Angling Trust National Sea Boat Angling Selection Committee, Neil is…
Read more Read more
News
06 May 2022

Angling Trust supports campaign warning anglers of risk of…

The Angling Trust is supporting a new campaign raising awareness of the risks of skin cancer and oth…
Read more Read more
Campaigns
28 April 2022

Positive news on bluefin tuna

Representatives from the Angling Trust and Bluefin Tuna UK met with Fisheries Minister Victoria Pren…
Read more Read more
Marine
28 April 2022

Sea Angling Classic offers biggest prize table in UK…

The inaugural Sea Angling Classic, taking place on 15-19 June 2022 in Portsmouth, will see anglers c…
Read more Read more
Get Fishing News
25 April 2022

From paddle boards to beach-cleans: Get involved with fishing…

We’ve all heard the saying “There’s more to fishing than catching fish” well…
Read more Read more
Marine
25 April 2022

Tope Point of Capture Database Launched

Through a collaboration between Shark Hub UK and the Pat Smith Database, a tope point of capture dat…
Read more Read more
Campaigns
22 April 2022

Angling Trust Respond to Sussex IFCA Hand Gathering Consultation

The Angling Trust has responded to the recent consultation held by Sussex IFCA on their proposed Han…
Read more Read more
Campaigns
21 April 2022

Lack of action on agricultural pollution is killing our…

Data obtained by the Guardian and the investigative journalist group, Point Source, has exposed the…
Read more Read more
National Fishing Month illustration with leaves, a hat, a fishing net and wellies
Angling Trust
21 April 2022

Virtual Fisheries Forum | Get Involved In National Fishing…

In our next Virtual Fisheries Forum join us as we provide an introduction to the campaign and inform…
Read more Read more
Campaigns
20 April 2022

Fishing ban at Grafham dam continues despite clubs’ efforts…

Anglian Water’s “disproportionate” ban on fishing from the dam at Grafham Water is to continue despi…
Read more Read more
Amanda Hook and a carp, photo taken at night
Get Fishing Blog
20 April 2022

For International Dark Skies Week 2022 new angler Amanda…

International Dark Skies Week runs 22nd to 30th April 2022 and provides the perfect opportunity to g…
Read more Read more