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The catfish: an unloved and ill-judged fish
The wels catfish, which has been present in our rivers for several decades and is well known to all anglers in the region, needs no introduction. It has succeeded in establishing itself naturally or otherwise, without causing the dramatic imbalances that some people attribute to it. And yet, it is still the victim of persistent demonization, often fuelled by sensational images or unverified assertions that are the talk of the local press and social networks.
Silurus Glanis Association convinced me not with slogans, but with facts, data and serious studies. For example, several reports from GPS tracking carried out with researchers demonstrate that the sheatfish is not the "destructive omnivorous predator" it is too often portrayed to be. It has a sedentary lifestyle, and its diet is far more varied than its detractors claim.
What is the Silurus Glanis Association?
Created in 2007 and published in the Journal Officiel on January 5, 2008, SGA is the only association for the protection of wels catfish recognized by the French National Fishing Federation (FNPF). It was born of a simple observation: the sheatfish is often the victim of unfounded legends, acts of barbarism and public denigration campaigns. Since its creation, the association has set itself the mission of dismantling these clichés and defending the species on a scientific and institutional level.
SGA brings together fishing enthusiasts, experienced welsh catfish anglers, fishing guides, association representatives and, in some cases, professionals, all driven by the same determination: to change the way people think about welsh catfish.
The association is active at both local level (events, discovery fishing, school/group presentations) and national level, via its presence at fish shows (ClermontâeurosFerrand, Montluçon...) and opportunities to lobby the authorities.
Concrete actions
By becoming a member of the association, long before I became a fishing guide, I was able to see real, useful action in the field, far from the militancy of a facade:
- Bank clean-ups organized on the banks of the Rhône and Loire rivers, where dozens of kilos of garbage were removed from fishing areas.
- Educational meetings with schoolchildren and the general public to discuss the role of fish in the river ecosystem and demystify the Catfish.
- The creation of educational leaflets on catfish, designed to inform novice anglers and the curious.
- Speeches at public meetings and environmental consultations, to defend a balanced approach to fish management.
It was this combination of fieldwork, science and education that deeply motivated me to join this movement.
A current battle: the difficult cohabitation with professional fishing
Today, one of the major issues highlighted by the association is the growing tension between amateur and professional anglers, particularly in France's major rivers. In certain areas, the latter are now targeting catfish on a massive scale, on the pretext that it "destabilizes the environment" or that "other species need to be protected". The problem is that this justification often conceals short-term economic interests, rather than ecological concerns.
Silurus Glanis Association has repeatedly documented worrying situations such as massive net fisheries, where catfish over 2 meters in length are taken only to be destroyed, or smear campaigns in the media, supported by certain lobbies, to justify the local eradication of catfish.
Today, the pressure exerted on the authorities to classify catfish as an "undesirable species" or to authorize its marketing would open the way to uncontrolled overexploitation, which is what the association fights every day in its many actions. As a passionate and responsible fisherman, I refuse to remain passive. Catfish must not be made the scapegoat for poor overall river management. Nor should it become a mere commercial resource.
A shared vision: sustainable fishing and responsibility
Silurus Glanis Association is also a way of defending a respectful, sporting vision of fishing, where no-kill is not a dogma, but rather a philosophy. A way of fishing in which time spent at the water's edge is an apprenticeship, not a race for yield. Fishing where we understand that nature does not belong to us, and that it must be passed on to future generations in the best possible condition.
On a personal note, I still remember my first catch of a 1.80-metre catfish. It wasn't just an intense fight or an impressive photo, it was a life-changing encounter. Releasing this majestic fish made me realize that our role as anglers goes beyond mere individual pleasure. We have an ecological and educational responsibility.
In conclusion: why should I get involved?
Joining the Silurus Glanis Association is not just about supporting a species, it's about taking a stand for intelligent fishing, based on knowledge and respect for living things.
It also means opposing short-termist logic, simplistic rhetoric and the programmed degradation of our rivers. It means defending the idea that we can reconcile passion, science and ecology.
Through this membership, I'm joining a collective that acts, informs and defends those who believe that a catfish is worth much more than a figure per kilo. Above all, I'm choosing not to put up with it, but to take action.
