Recreational sea fishing: what changes with the new quotas and the abandonment of RecFishing

After a 2026 marked by administrative hesitations, the rules for recreational sea fishing are finally stabilizing. Between new catch quotas and the abandonment of a reporting system judged too restrictive, here is what concretely changes for recreational anglers at the end of this summer.

Quotas increased for sea bass and pollack

The order of 17 March 2026 setting out the distribution of fishing quotas marked a turning point after several years of stalemate. The daily sea bass quota for recreational anglers rises from 1 to 2 fish per day per angler in the Atlantic area (ICES area 8), as well as south of the 48th parallel. Sea bass fishing remains prohibited from 1 February to 31 March, the theoretical spawning period: only catch-and-release with a rod is then permitted.

The pollack benefits from the same relaxation, with a quota raised to two specimens per day for the rest of the year, the closure still set for the first four months. These adjustments apply equally to shore and boat anglers as well as spearfishing enthusiasts.

RecFishing: a reporting obligation finally abandoned

The most tumultuous part of the year remains the European application RecFishing. Its launch, scheduled for 10 January 2026, had already been postponed to 12 February for technical reasons on the European Commission side. From that date, recreational anglers aged 16 and over had to register and report their catches of so-called sensitive species, such as sea bass, pollack, pageot rose or mackerel, within 24 hours, including in cases of release.

Faced with adoption judged insufficient after a few months of trial, the Ministry for the Ecological Transition announced the withdrawal of this reporting obligation, effective since 1 May 2026, in favour of a “return to trust” between anglers and the administration. Removals remain subject, however, to quotas set by species, a mechanism that remains fully in force.

What to remember before going out to sea

• The sea bass quota is now 2 fish per day per angler in the Atlantic area.
• The sea bass fishing closure still runs from 1 February to 31 March.
• Pollack is closed for the first four months of the year, then limited to 2 catches per day.
• The obligation to report via RecFishing was withdrawn as of 1 May 2026.
• Consideration is also underway for a ban on lead in fishing tackle, on the model of existing rules for hunting.

For nature outing enthusiasts between visits to the seaside on holiday, these changes simplify the activity while preserving the goal of stock conservation. Enough to enjoy more peacefully the outdoor activities that shape the everyday life of many French people, between fishing, hiking and other seasonal sports activities.

Frequently asked questions

Do you still have to report your catches with RecFishing in 2026?

No. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition withdrew the obligation to report catches via the RecFishing application as of 1 May 2026, after a troubled launch in February.

How many sea bass can you fish per day in 2026?

The quota is now two sea bass per day per angler in the Atlantic area, versus one previously, outside the closure period from 1 February to 31 March.

Is pollack fishing still regulated?

Yes: pollack fishing remains closed during the first four months of the year, then limited to two catches per day for the rest of the year.

Sources

Ministry for the Ecological Transition ·
Peche.com ·
FFPSA

This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence. Editorial policy