The future of recreational fishing
25.4.2024
Priority question for written answer P-001308/2024
to the Commission
Rule 138
Nils Torvalds (Renew)
According to the decision of 23 October 2023 by EU fisheries ministers, salmon fishing in the Baltic Sea will be closed for the 2024 season because of poor fish stocks at Ljungan in Sweden. In connection with the decision, Finland and Sweden submitted a proposal for special measures to ensure continued salmon fishing as an alternative to a total closure. The proposal has been submitted to the ICES for scientific assessment. Its advice is expected shortly to support the Commission’s further preparations.
Small-scale recreational fishing is very important both for the tourism industry in the Åland region and in socio-economic terms. Without clear details of future recreational fishing possibilities, it will be impossible for businesspeople to plan their activities in the long term and to take important investment decisions for the future. With that in mind:
- 1.Will the Commission provide details in time to save this season’s recreational salmon fishing in the Åland region?
- 2.When will the Commission provide details so that decisions can be taken for next year’s fishing season? Notification in good time is of the utmost importance so that fishers and businesspeople can be given clear details enabling them to plan their activities.
- 3.How does the Commission take into account negative socio-economic consequences when preparing decisions affecting recreational fishing which in turn have a direct impact on the tourism industry, especially for small businesses?
Submitted:25.4.2024