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RecFishing is the application that allows recreational anglers to declare themselves once a year for certain sensitive species (sea bass, pollack, pink paddlefish, bluefin tuna, dolphinfish). The question of its practical appropriation by anglers has been raised.
A European rationale
With RecFishing, marine leisure fishing is fully in line with European harmonization. The aim is clear: to structure data collection, improve knowledge of recreational catches and strengthen monitoring of species subject to management measures.
Annual registration creates a stable administrative framework. Daily declarations make it possible to refine actual catch estimates. These data must feed into scientific assessments and future management decisions.
In principle, this approach meets the need for consistency between Member States.
Highly digital implementation
The entire procedure is based on the European digital environment. Even before using RecFishing each angler must create a secure identifier EU Login .
When this account is created, automatic confirmation and security messages are sent exclusively in English. For example, adding a mobile device triggers an e-mail entitled :
"A new mobile device has been added to your EU Login account" .
The message aims to secure the account and verify that the action is voluntary. It is clear and standardized, but written entirely in English.
A question of linguistic accessibility
In a European administrative context, the use of English as the language of technical communication is not exceptional. However, for French users unfamiliar with international digital procedures, the lack of translation can be a hindrance.
In France, in many regulated sectors, notably trade and consumer services, the use of French is a legal obligation. Here, communication is handled by a European authentication system, separate from the national information service.
The success of the system will therefore largely depend on the pedagogical support provided and the ability of fishermen to appropriate these tools.
That's what our dossier is all about.
2026, a year of transition
Computer development is one of my sideline activities. It seems to me that European digital identity via the EU Login service complicates the process. Some users will get lost and need help.
The administration has announced that priority will be given to explanation and support in 2026. This phase will be decisive. It will determine whether recreational anglers will adhere to a system designed to structure the management of their practices over the long term.
Practical reminder: what you need to remember
- Annual registration of each fisherman mandatory (depending on coastline and target species)
- Prior creation of a European identifier EU Login
- Mandatory use of the application RecFishing
- Opening of a fishing session before declaring fish
- Mandatory declaration of "sensitive" species retained or released
- Maximum delay : 24 hours after capture
- Final declaration after validation (cannot be modified)
- Can be operated offline / without Internet connection (subsequent transmission)
- Generation of a QR code possible in case of control
Atlantic and English Channel :
- the bar ( Dicentrarchus labrax )
- pollack ( Pollachius pollachius )
- pink pageot, also known as pink sea bream ( Pagellus bogaraveo )
- bluefin tuna ( Thunnus thynnus )
Mediterranean :
- the pink pageot ( Pagellus bogaraveo )
- dolphinfish ( Coryphaena hippurus )
- bluefin tuna ( Thunnus thynnus )
