New measures for collecting catch data from recreational fishing
The European Union has, for the first time, established a harmonized system for collecting catch data from recreational fisheries in marine coastal areas across the EU. Adopted to standardize the reporting process for recreational fishing, this regulation will provide insights into the real effects of recreational fishing on the overall health of fish stocks. It will also help establish a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the current state of recreational fishing.
The European Commission will develop RecFishing, an electronic system designed to facilitate data collection and catch reporting. This system will help eliminate existing disparities in data collection and enhance the reliability of EU-wide assessments.
The new regulation also introduces measures to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, as well as mitigate the environmental impact of abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear.