EFTTA and anglers reaffirm commitment to EU water protection directive

Anglers and the body that represents the fishing tackle industry in Europe have reaffirmed their commitment to a directive designed to protect all waters in the region.

The European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA) and the European Anglers Alliance (EAA) gave the Water Framework Directive (WFD) – currently under review and subject to EU revision – their support at a meeting of the European Recreational Fisheries and Aquatic Forum in Brussels last week.

Gerald Bakkenes (left), Chair of EFTTA, told the meeting: “To unlock the full social-economic potential of the tackle industry, we need abundant fish stocks, restored rivers, happy anglers and healthy freshwater ecosystems – exactly what the EU’s Water Framework Directive is designed to deliver.

“From a business perspective, recreational angling is a powerful driver of economic and industrial development across Europe. High-quality freshwater ecosystems lead not only to a more attractive angling experience but also translates into an increased demand for fishing equipment and a higher turnover for tackle shops, manufacturers and other companies in the sector’s value chain.”

Mark Owen (below), President of the EAA, added: “For Europe’s 25 million anglers, healthy freshwater ecosystems are not an abstract objective – they are the foundation of our activity and our contribution to local economies…. the link is clear: clean water means healthy fish and successful fish migration and strong environmental standards mean a sustainable future for the angling experience.

“All this makes strong enforcement and political commitment to the Water Framework Directive more important than ever. The EAA therefore calls for a strong, strict and full implementation of the Directive – rather than a revision.”

Swedish MEP, Isabella Lövin, thanked the EU recreational fisheries sector for being the voice and guardians of the WFD. She told the meeting: “This legislative framework provides benefits for both the EU economy, but also for communities and citizens throughout the continent. The purpose of the WFD is to connect both salt and freshwater ecosystems – allowing fish migration, healthy rivers and living communities.

“I recently visited the River Testeboån in Sweden – which is the only example where we managed to rehabilitate a wild salmon river with salmon migrating again into the river. This is a result of the implementation of the Water Framework Directive and also thanks to people and organisations caring for fish, rivers and their ecosystems services – like the European recreational fisheries community.”