Status and trends of inland fisheries in Europe

Arthur, R.

Status and trends of inland fisheries in Europe

Copyright licence

Year of publication 2025

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 47 p.

Author Arthur, R.

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (series)

Category Working paper

ISBN 978-92-5-139545-5

Series title EIFAAC Occasional Paper

Series number No. 57

Full item page

To cite or share https://doi.org/10.4060/cd3884en

Synopsis (short abstract) Globally, inland capture fisheries continue to play crucial roles, contributing significantly to human health, livelihoods, cultural economies. Despite producing over 12 percent of the world’s fish, they face challenges such as environmental degradation and competition for water, remaining undervalued in decision-making and policy discussions. Inland fisheries remain important within Europe, where they provide food, cultural and recreational benefits and contribute to maintaining biodiversity. Total production reported to FAO in 2021 was 167 187 tonnes (1.47 percent of the global total) and the average annual consumption of inland fisheries products in Europe was 0.24 kg per capita per year. Information on inland fisheries at regional, sub-regional and national levels is also presented on fishing, fisheries and fisheries management from FAO and other sources. Priorities for responsible management are identified, drawing on the evidence from regional and global assessments. These priorities include strengthening the evidence base, including both the status of fish stocks and the social and economic benefits they provide, advancing an ecosystem approach to management through stewardship and care and considering the role of fisheries within wider landscape and catchment planning. Acknowledging the roles and importance of inland capture fisheries is critical to ensuring that inland fisheries continue to support livelihoods and cultural heritage and drive positive transformations.

Statutory body / Meeting title European Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Advisory Commission (EIFAAC)

Cite this content as:

Arthur, R. 2025. Status and trends of inland fisheries in Europe. EIFAAC Occasional Paper, No. 57. Rome, FAO.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cd3884en

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Language English

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