The man in charge of fisheries policy within the EU has met with a delegation from the European Anglers Alliance (EAA) and the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA).

Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries met with the delegation in a meeting aimed at discussing the importance of the recreational angling sector in the EU and strengthening cooperation between the parties on topics of mutual interest.

Vella was reminded that the EU’s sea and freshwater anglers spend around €20 billion a year on fishing tackle and accommodation, a figure that increases considerably when other indirect costs are taken into account.

The EAA and EFTTA delegation also took the opportunity to share their concerns on sea bass and its dwindling stocks ahead of new emergency measures to be announced by the commission at the end of the year.