09-14-2007, 02:10 AM
The European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA) today urged governments across Europe to think carefully before introducing sea fishing licences, after it was revealed that the introduction of a licence scheme in Portugal has had a catastrophic effect on tackle sales in the country.
The official trade body, EFTTA, which represents almost 300 manufacturers and wholesalers, warned that the widespread adoption of sea angling licences, which is due to be considered in a number of European countries, could damage the 25 billion euros generated in socio-economic value by recreational fishermen across Europe.
Sea anglers in Portugal have been forced to buy a licence to fish since January, wiping out as much as 60% off tackle sales. And tackle trade companies and fishermen have been angered even more by the fact that 50% of revenue collected by the Portuguese government from the 12 Euro land licence and 60 Euro boat licence is being put towards a compensation fund for commercial fishermen MORE...
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The official trade body, EFTTA, which represents almost 300 manufacturers and wholesalers, warned that the widespread adoption of sea angling licences, which is due to be considered in a number of European countries, could damage the 25 billion euros generated in socio-economic value by recreational fishermen across Europe.
Sea anglers in Portugal have been forced to buy a licence to fish since January, wiping out as much as 60% off tackle sales. And tackle trade companies and fishermen have been angered even more by the fact that 50% of revenue collected by the Portuguese government from the 12 Euro land licence and 60 Euro boat licence is being put towards a compensation fund for commercial fishermen MORE...
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