Socio-economic data - Spain 

In 2019, it is estimated that there are 50,000 anglers in Catalonia, divided as follows: 60% are engaged in coastal fishing, 34% in boat fishing and 6% in spearfishing. 

The total of recreational catches is estimated at 5% of total catches. Nevertheless, the recreational fisheries sector generates almost as much economic value as the commercial sector does: 90 million euros per year, which equals 86.8% of the commercial sector’s value. 

With regard to the economic impact of the activity on the blue economy of Catalonia as a whole, the results indicate a total indirect impact of around 90 million euros per year linked to recreational sea fishing; of which a third corresponds to the direct impact on shops and distributors of materials to carry out the activity. 

Reference: 

ICATMAR, Direcció General de Pesca i Afers Marítims, Generalitat de Catalunya, Diagnosi de la pesca maritima recreativa a Catalunya (2019), 2020

English version: Diagnosis of Marine Recreational Fishing in Catalonia 2019 (ICATMAR)

A study for the Spanish Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge found that the average river fisher goes fishing 7 days/month, spending €57.81/day. In addition, the average river fisher allocated €575.85/year.

Given that in 2017, 532,805 fishing licenses were sold, it is estimated that the sector generates on average around €3 billion per year. 

Building on this assessment, the study develops a set of recommendations regarding inland recreational fisheries. It recommends notably to incorporate the principles of conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity in the development of the tourism-fishing sector to give it added value. It is necessary to promote river fishing as a leisure element compatible with conservation and respect for the aquatic environment promoting the creation, maintenance and improvement of the training carried out in the