Publication date: 03/24/2026
French regulations governing recreational sea fishing have been evolving gradually for several years. In 2026, a new milestone is reached with the entry into force of the RecFishing app, which introduces a registration and reporting obligation for millions of French anglers.
RecFishing 2026: what becomes mandatory for recreational sea fishing
RecFishing app: who must register?
In France, there are approximately 2.5 million recreational sea anglers. Registration via the RecFishing app is mandatory for all recreational sea fishers aged 16 and over.
Those concerned include:
- Anglers aboard a leisure vessel
- Shore-based anglers
- Both occasional and regular practitioners
- Catch-and-release enthusiasts
The obligation applies regardless of how often you fish or how much you catch: anyone aged 16 or over practising recreational sea fishing must register annually.
When does the obligation come into force?
The registration and reporting obligation came into force on 12 February 2026. The regulatory framework is now in place, and inspections may be carried out both at sea and on land.
However, 2026 has been designated by the authorities as an “educational period”: the aim of the first year is to help anglers get to grips with the RecFishing digital tool.
What are the reasons behind this new regulation?
The evolution of recreational sea fishing regulations aims to improve the management of fishery resources at a European level, in particular through the monitoring of catches made by recreational anglers. Until now, data on commercial fishing was well documented, whereas the impact of recreational fishing relied largely on estimates.
For the authorities, the objective is to improve scientific knowledge of actual catch volumes, so that stock management measures can be adjusted accordingly.
Which species must be declared in the RecFishing app?
One of the key aspects of the regulation concerns the mandatory declaration of catches of so-called sensitive species.
The list of species covered by RecFishing
At present, several species are subject to mandatory declaration via the RecFishing app, including:
- Sea bass
- Pollack
- Bluefin tuna
- Red sea bream
This list may evolve depending on the state of fish stocks and national or European decisions. We recommend checking for official updates on the app before each fishing trip at sea.
⚠️ Please note: certain species such as sea bass in the north-east Atlantic, pollack, and bluefin tuna were already subject to specific catch authorisations, quotas, minimum sizes, and restricted periods. The new recreational fishing declaration requirement is in addition to the rules already in force.
Declaring catch-and-release catches
Are you a boating angler wondering whether you need to declare a catch that has been released? The answer is yes!
Declaration and registration in the app are mandatory for every catch of a relevant species, whether it is kept or released. For boaters accustomed to catch-and-release fishing in the Channel, the Atlantic, or the Mediterranean, this means integrating a new routine.
How to register and use the RecFishing app
Designed to meet the new obligations relating to recreational sea fishing, the RecFishing app centralises both the annual registration of anglers and the declaration of catches of sensitive species.
Its use is based on two distinct steps: registration, followed by the declaration of catches for each fishing session.
Annual registration: the steps to follow
Registration is mandatory for all recreational sea fishers aged 16 and over.
The process takes place online:
- Create a personal account via the app
- Enter your personal details
- Confirm your registration
Registration is free of charge and valid for one calendar year. It must be renewed annually. In the event of an inspection at sea, proof of registration may be requested by the relevant authorities.
💡 Bear in mind: for boaters, it may be worth checking that every crew member who fishes is individually registered!
Daily catch declarations
Once registered, each angler has a personal account through which they can submit their declarations. Declarations only concern species listed as sensitive (see above) and must be submitted on the day of fishing.
Each catch must be logged in the app, whether kept or released. The entry generally includes:
- The species caught
- The number of individuals
- The fishing zone
- The date
⚠️ Please note:
- On board a leisure fishing vessel, each angler is responsible for their own declaration. A single crew member cannot declare on behalf of everyone else.
- Anglers are advised not to confuse similar-looking species.
- Each angler must ensure they declare on the day of the catch — declarations must not be left until the following day.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
2026 has been designated as an “support phase” to allow recreational anglers to adapt to the new regulations. However, the registration and reporting obligations are now in force.
Inspections may be carried out at sea by the maritime authorities, or on land upon return to port. During an inspection, several situations may constitute non-compliance:
- Failure to register annually
- Failure to declare a catch of a sensitive species
- An incomplete or inaccurate declaration
Failure to comply with the obligations may result in administrative sanctions and fines under the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.
What this new regulation means for boaters
Several dry stack marinas in our French network — Port Adhoc Paimpol, Port Adhoc Soubise, Port Adhoc Bayonne Anglet, and Port Adhoc Leucate — are home to many boaters who fish throughout the year.
For both regular and occasional users, the introduction of RecFishing means a new level of organisation: a charged phone, a checked annual registration, declarations verified before returning to the berth, a reliable connection at the marina… forward planning becomes essential.
Frequently asked questions about the RecFishing app
How to download RecFishing?
The app is available for free on iOS and Android.
Is registration free?
Yes. Annual registration via the RecFishing app is free for everyone. It is not a paid fishing licence of any kind.
Do I need to declare if I catch nothing?
Annual registration is mandatory as soon as you engage in recreational sea fishing and are aged 16 or over, even if you make no catches during the year.
Daily declarations only concern sensitive species — whether kept or released. If no relevant species are caught during a trip, no declaration is required for that outing.
Is my data kept confidential?
The information collected is intended for the scientific monitoring of marine resources. It is not used for tax purposes. The aim of this new regulation is to improve the sustainable management of fish stocks, not to monitor individual behaviour beyond the regulatory framework.
Does RecFishing replace the boat licence?
No. RecFishing registration is entirely separate from the boat licence. A sea licence remains mandatory for operating a motorised vessel in accordance with current regulations. RecFishing relates exclusively to recreational sea fishing.
