Following the European Parliament’s request in 2017, a pilot project to explore the control and monitoring tools for recreational sea bass fishing was conducted in 2019 and 2020. In December 2020, the European Commission published the final report of the “Control scheme for recreational catches of sea bass” pilot project.
Based on the analysis of the current schemes and on surveys of recreational fishers and other stakeholders, the pilot project provided recommendations to improve the efficiency of the monitoring and control scheme for marine recreational fisheries. The following guiding ideas are underlined by the report:
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A focus on resource conservation and better engagement of recreational fishers;
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Compulsory registration and reporting (in time) of standardised data sets. Registration and catch reporting using near real time web and app-based solutions;
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More reliable data and improved stock assessment modelling capacity supports scientific advice legitimacy towards recreational fishers;
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Better targeted and streamlined control and inspection activities using catch declarations;
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Improved information exchange and the set-up of new information flows back to users (studies, stock status, local control measures, etc.).
The final report was presented at the occasion of a webinar organised by the European Commission, to which the EAA and the EFTTA participated as panellists. Read more about the webinar by clicking here.
More information about the pilot project’s final report here.
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