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What is RecFishing?
RecFishing is the EU's official application for recreational sea anglers: it is used to register and declare certain catches, particularly of sensitive species. It is presented as free, available on smartphones, compatible with Android and iOS, and can also be used offline for certain functions.
The application lets you create or manage your recreational angler registration, start a fishing session, and then declare the catches required by regulations. According to the sources consulted, the declaration concerns sensitive species subject to management measures, with a maximum deadline of 24 hours after capture.
Responsible fishermen
RecFishing was set up to declare recreational fishing catches and contribute to the sustainable preservation of marine resources, and since its launch it has provoked numerous reactions. Indeed, few yachtsmen and fishermen saw RecFishing as a modern management tool, while the majority of recreational anglers saw it as a hindrance to their freedom and a " unnecessary digital bureaucracy "one more time. After just a few months of experimentation and an adoption judged " insufficient "the authorities have decided to pull the plug on the system, in favor of a " a return to trust between fishermen and authorities ".
In a message, a ministry spokesman said:
"Recreational anglers have demonstrated their sense of responsibility. It is therefore no longer necessary to impose a systematic declaration. "
From May 1, 2026
This decision will come into force on May 1, 2026, freeing enthusiasts from all digital constraints when they go out to sea. Many fishermen have welcomed the news with enthusiasm, some already declaring that they " will finally be able to fish without taking out the smartphone for every catch ".
With this decision, the leisure fishing industry as a whole has finally demonstrated its political weight. A fine victory for all fishing enthusiasts! All that remains is for the authorities to reconsider the introduction of a mackerel quota...
