Toni Font

Biological and Ecological Impacts Derived from Recreational Fishing in Mediterranean Coastal Areas

Recreational fishing is a booming activity in Mediterranean coastal areas. Despite generating a variety of impacts on marine resources and ecosystems, there is much less research into recreational fishing than there is into commercial fishing. This is the first study to cover the diverse implications that derive from this activity in Mediterranean coastal areas, and is based on a review of different studies from 15 areas in Spain, France, Italy, and Turkey. This study defines and compares the biological impact of the different recreational fishing methods on Mediterranean marine resources, particularly the most vulnerable and threatened coastal species, and characterizes the emerging and potential indirect ecological impacts on the marine ecosystem of certain aspects of this activity that have not, thus far, been taken into account (e.g., exotic species of bait, fishing gear loss, and bycatch). The results highlight the importance of determining the actual impact resulting from recreational fishing in coastal areas, so that effective regulatory measures can be developed for each mode of fishing.

Estimating recreational fishing tackle loss in Mediterranean coastal areas: Potential impacts on wildlife

This study evaluates the loss of recreational fishing tackle, for the first time, in a Mediterranean coastal area and discusses the potential biological impacts on fish and wildlife from exposure to lead, plastic and other toxic materials from recreational fishing. The estimation of lost fishing gear on the seabed took place over a three-year period (2010, 2011 and 2012) using divers, in two zones (4700 m2 and 5300 m2, respectively). The most abundant were lead weights (sinkers), which made up 36% of the total. Overall, the presence of a multitude of potentially harmful materials in our study area, particularly in shallow waters, demonstrates the importance of conducting studies to determine the actual impact resulting from the loss of recreational fishing tackle so that effective regulatory measures can be developed for this activity. Management concerns about these potential impacts, as well as possible solutions, are discussed.