About angling and Natura 2000

The angling sector covers commercial and recreational fishing in European coastal (salt) and freshwaters (rivers and lakes). Many proposed or already designated Natura 2000 protected areas will include rivers and lakes fished by anglers. Some European Union Member States are also designating coastal/marine Natura 2000 areas.

Sustainable fishing is not a new idea within the angling sector, and many fishermen practice environmentally-sensitive angling. The designation of an area as a Natura 2000 site will not necessarily prevent activities like angling, though it is possible that some additional restrictions may be imposed, depending on the management plans for the area. Natura 2000 could benefit anglers. For example, improvements in the status of aquatic habitats could increase fish stocks.

A survey was conducted in 2006 by ELO, FDD EAA and the Dee District Salmon Fishery Board as part of an EU programme. The questionnaire was sent to people directly in charge of the management of aquatic areas. It looked at their position toward environmental policy, particularly towards Natura 2000, and actions taken in favour of environmental protection. The survey concluded that opinions of anglers towards environmental policy and particularly towards Natura 2000 were quite positive. The authors of the report concluded that "... anglers and managers of aquatic territories are very conscious of the need to protect the aquatic environment. It is a prerequisite for the longevity of their practice but also an economic issue where angling is a professional tourism activity. Furthermore, they generally don’t see Natura 2000 as an obstacle. In fact, they feel that the Natura 2000 network can bring additional environmental protection that contributes to the quality of angling territories. That is why most of them are involved in environmental projects at the local level."

Project: Promoting NATURA 2000 & Sustainable Wildlife Use (hunting and angling)

This project, led by the Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation of the EU (FACE), aimed to promote greater involvement of the hunters' and anglers' community in the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives and in the conservation and management of NATURA 2000 sites. More information about Natura 2000 in relation to hunting and angling can be found on the project's website.

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