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The challenge to the 5 mackerel a day quota for recreational fishermen is taking a political turn. Manche MP Stéphane Travert, former Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, has co-signed a letter to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu calling for the measure to be withdrawn and for consultations with fishermen to be opened.
A warning letter signed by several members of parliament
In a letter dated February 24, several members of parliament from the Manche and Calvados regions denounce a decision taken "without consultation" with the stakeholders concerned. The elected representatives point out that the limit of 5 mackerel per day per fisherman has given rise to considerable misunderstanding among recreational anglers.
In their view, this development comes at a time when the collapse of the mackerel stock can be explained by a number of factors, including international tensions over quotas and the northward migration of the species as a result of ocean warming.
The signatories also point out that the catch taken by recreational anglers remains marginal compared to that taken by professional fishermen. Finally, they are concerned about an accumulation of new administrative obligations, in particular the use of the RecFishing application to declare certain catches.
An MP at the heart of national discussions
Stéphane Travert's position attracts particular attention. A former minister and now Chairman of the French National Assembly's Economic Affairs Committee, the MP has direct access to the industry's decision-makers.
He was present at the Salon International de l'Agriculture for exchanges between the fishing industry and French President Emmanuel Macron, alongside French Minister for the Sea Catherine Chabaud. Discussions focused on international tensions surrounding mackerel and the future of the professional fishing industry. Was recreational fishing really discussed?
Even more recently, the MP met directly with the Minister in her office to discuss the challenges facing the maritime sector and the French fishing industry. Once again, was the proposed 5-mackerel quota for recreational fishing really a concern? We'll soon find out.
A political position to be confirmed
This parliamentary mobilization comes at a time when the public consultation on the mackerel quota is still ongoing. The MPs are calling for wider consultation and for regulations that are better adapted to the actual practices of recreational fishermen.
It now remains to be seen whether this stance will translate into changes to the draft decree. If the text remains unchanged despite these exchanges at the highest level, some observers may see this as political posturing rather than any real ability to influence the final decision.
