EU launches RecFishing – a digital system to simplify recreational fishing data collection

On 9 January, the EU launched a Union-wide digital solution called RecFishing in collaboration with EU countries to simplify and streamline data collection on recreational fishing catches across all EU marine areas.

As new measures on marine recreational fisheries start to apply in 2026, 22 coastal EU countries will be required to collect catch data for certain species and fish populations caught in recreational fishing at sea. To support coastal EU countries in implementing these new requirements and to help limit costs for national authorities, the EU has developed and made available a common digital system.

Better data from marine recreational fishing will help scientists understand how much fish is being caught and support sustainable management of fish stocks. It will also provide a clear picture of fishing activity across different sectors.

This is the first time that marine recreational fishing data is being collected at large scale across the EU. Coastal EU countries will gradually make the mobile app available to recreational fishers for registration and catch reporting, according to their operational readiness and national timelines.

Recreational fishers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the system as it is rolled out. The mobile app to record catches will become available progressively as each EU country completes its national rollout. Recreational fishers will need to register their catches once the mobile app is available in their country. Recreational fishers in the 13 countries using the RecFishing mobile app (Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Sweden) can contact their national authorities for more information on the rollout and implementation of the system.

The decision to strengthen the collection of recreational fishing catch data stems from the revamped EU Fisheries Control Regulation, adopted in 2023 by the European Parliament and the Council, including all EU countries, with a large majority.

RecFishing, an EU-level digital system to streamline data collection

RecFishing includes a European central server to collect catch aggregated data gathered from coastal EU countries and a mobile app for recreational fishers to report their catches:

The EU RecFishing central database and server is the back-end hub that allows the 22 coastal EU countries to transmit recreational fishing data in a harmonised way. It is the place where data submissions are received and managed, so information can be compiled consistently across countries. This supports comparable scientific advice and fair, evidence-based management decisions. Coastal EU countries submit data monthly and annually for certain species and stocks.
RecFishing mobile app: Thirteen EU countries (Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Sweden) asked the European Commission to create a single pan-European mobile app. The remaining nine coastal EU countries developed their own app. Each coastal EU country remains responsible for national implementation – whether they use RecFishing or their own national app-, including user guidance, support services, and the rules that apply in their territorial waters.

Background

In the EU, millions take part in recreational fishing activities such as angling, spearfishing, hand gathering, catching fish with traps, etc. It is a practice of great social and cultural significance, and in some regions, also of economic relevance. However, data on this sector has remained fragmented until now.

RecFishing was developed as a collaborative effort between the Commission, coastal EU countries, scientists and representatives of the recreational fishing sector, including fishing federations and sector associations. Practical input and feedback from stakeholders helped ensure that the system reflects current fishing practices and user needs.