Anglers join forces to call on French government to lift fishing ban from December 1

The representative body for recreational fishing in France has joined three other outdoor sports organisations in writing a letter to senior members of the government, including the President of the Republic and Prime Minster, calling for their respective sports to be allowed to take place again from December 1.

Outdoor sports have been banned by the Government after the country went into lockdown at the end of last month.

The National Fishing Federation in France (FNFF) and leaders of the hunting, sailing and equestrian fraternities delivered the letter to President, Emmanuel Macron, and Prime Minister, Jean Castex, alongside the Minister, Jean-Michel Blanquer, and Minister Delegate, Roxana Maracineanu, urging them to allow their activities to return in full from the beginning of next month.

The group makes the point that their activities do not create a gathering of people and do not pose a threat to health as was recognised by the High Council of Public Health in August.

“Our health protocols are therefore ready to be reactivated and even strengthened if this proves to be necessary. At a time when dialogue with the public authorities are continuing regarding the gradual reopening of certain businesses, it is important to stress that the French would not understand it if outdoor sports and clubs remain closed while other categories, including indoor activities, are given the go ahead.

“In such a case our federations would have the greatest difficulty in educating and forcing our members to respect the rules of confinement. For these reasons we would like to bring your attention to the proposals that we are formulating in order to allow a safe resumption of our activities from December 1.”