Data collection systems and methodologies for the inland fisheries of Europe

Abstract

This report examines case studies from Croatia, the Czech Republic, Finland and other European countries, to identify good practices regarding data systems currently in use and recommend solutions for some of the challenges facing the management of bodies of inland water.

Inland fisheries are important sources of ecosystem services contributing to human diets, health, well-being and the economy. The evaluation of their importance and value is one of the biggest challenges for its development.

The report finds that the level and methods of inland fisheries data collection in Europe were highly variable. For example, some countries did not collect any data on recreational fishing, or only from specific areas, or recorded only the number of licenses sold.