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On January 26, 2026, the DIRM MEMN (Direction interrégionale de la mer Manche-Est âeuros mer du Nord) published the minutes of the Comité de façade de la pêche maritime de loisir 2025. At the same time, it has published the minutes for 2024, which had not been made public. These documents highlight both persistent dysfunctions and real progress in the dialogue between the recreational fishing federations and the administration.
A monitoring body dedicated to recreational fishing
Meeting on December 12, 2025, the Comité de Façade Manche âeuros Mer du Nord de la Pêche Maritime de Loisirs is the national body for monitoring and exchange between the administration and the federations representing recreational fishermen. The document published by the DIRM MEMN specifies the decisions applicable and the work in progress for the coming years.
Worm pumps: controlled return and revised quotas
The main change concerns the reintroduction of the worm pump for recreational fishing. The tool is once again authorized for the harvesting of arenicolae, with a quota set at 40 individuals per fisherman per trip . There are no restrictions for other worm species. This decision is based on scientific studies indicating a reduced impact of the pump on habitats and a specific vulnerability of the arenicola resource.
I note, however, that public access to the complete scientific works would be a real plus. It would allow a better understanding of the ban that has been in place for several years.
Declaratory obligations: generalization in 2026
From 2026 onwards, European regulations will require a mandatory annual registration of all recreational anglers on a national platform interconnected to the European system.
A daily catch declaration via the RecFishing application has also been introduced for anglers aged 16 and over targeting sensitive species: sea bass, pollack, red tuna and gilthead bream. A transitional phase focusing on education has been announced for the first year of application.
However, since this report was written, the launch of the RecFishing application has malfunctioned and has been postponed to a later date.
Sea bass and pollack: the current regulatory framework
The document recalls the sea bass biological recovery from February 1 to March 31 during this period, only no-kill angling is permitted. Outside this period, the limit remains set at two sea bass per angler per day with a minimum height of 42 cm.
For the yellow locust the fishing ban extends from january 1 to April 30 with a quota of two specimens per day and a minimum size of 42 cm. No-kill fishing remains prohibited.
With regard to this regulatory reminder, we are still awaiting the imminent publication of the French texts on the 2026 regulations, particularly as regards mackerel, sea bass and pollack, following the publication of the European 2026 regulations.
Bluefin tuna: key figures for the 2025 campaign
The 2025 recreational fishing campaign for the red tuna reports 591 requests processed on the façade.
âeuros 14 kill releases with ring delivered (all used) of the 232 individual requests
âeuros 96 no-kill authorizations issued
The overall quota for recreational fishing is set at 67 tons each ring authorizes the capture of one fish, regardless of weight. Each ring authorizes the capture of one fish, regardless of weight, subject to compliance with regulatory thresholds (30 kg or 115 cm).
Marking: a reminder of the rules
Marking of retained catches is not always understood. It consists of removal of the lower part of the caudal fin the fish must be kept whole until unloading to allow for controls.
The species concerned are: bass/wolf, bonito, cod, corb, dentex, gilthead bream, dolphinfish, gilthead bream, swordfish, sailfish, lobster*, spiny lobster, pollack, saithe, meagre, blue marlin, mackerel, paddlefish, red scorpion fish, common seabream, sole, king mackerel, yellowfin tuna, albacore tuna, skipjack tuna, bigeye tuna, Atlantic sailfish.
