The United Nations has released the Third World Ocean Assessment (WOA III). For the first time, this global report dedicates an independent chapter to marine recreational fishing. Co-authored by an international team of experts (including Robert Arlinghaus), the chapter analyzes the global impacts and potential of recreational angling.
Key points of the report:
- High Socioeconomic Value: Marine recreational fishing generates billions of dollars in revenue worldwide, secures coastal jobs, and enhances human well-being.
- Ecological Impact & Data Gaps: Angling activities have measurable effects on coastal ecosystems. To improve global management, existing data gaps regarding catch volumes and participant numbers must be urgently addressed.
- Cooperative Management: The UN calls for greater involvement of angling communities in decision-making processes, alongside the active promotion of stewardship and education, rather than relying solely on strict prohibitions.
The chapter highlights the critical need for interdisciplinary fisheries science to ensure a sustainable balance at the interface between humans and nature.
Original Publication: To the UN Chapter: Recreational Fishing (WOA III)