The definition of marine recreational fishing in Europe

✍ Scribed by M.G. Pawson; H. Glenn; G. Padda

• Book ID: 104043716
• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 2008
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 198 KB
• Volume: 32
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0308-597X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2007.07.001

✦ Synopsis

To describe marine recreational fisheries, their socio-economic importance and interactions with other fisheries and the environment, it is necessary to define what is meant by recreational fishing. A review of European Member States' national legislation revealed considerable variation in ownership and access to coastal waters/fisheries, and in the legal distinction between sport fishing and other recreational uses of marine fisheries and their commercial (catching for sale and profit) counterparts. Together with a re-examination of existing definitions, this has enabled us to suggest definitions that may be used to develop a common approach to evaluate participation and socio-economic value of marine recreational fishing, and guide attempts to legislate for the benefit and development of marine recreational fishing across Europe.