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The
aftermath of next week's European Parliament elections will see many
familiar faces and some fresh ones in the new Parliament. We should all be
aware of the importance of having more pro-angling and
environmentally-friendly MEPs elected. Anglers should check out candidates'
attitudes and party manifestos on recreational angling.
Recreational Sea Angling
The EAA has fought the anglers' cause in Brussels for more than ten years.
Our experience is that to secure the future of the fish, the recreational
anglers and the environment it is crucial that we have more pro-angling
parliamentarians in the European Parliament. Time and time again we have
seen how the European Parliament's fisheries committee has voted down, or
watered down, excellent proposals to end overfishing or improve the marine
environment. Pro-angling and environment friendly MEPs in the Parliament are
too often outnumbered by colleagues who are overly influenced by the
powerful and heavily funded commercial fishing lobby. We need more MEPs in
the Parliament - and in the fisheries committee in particular - who are
willing to stand up to the demands of the commercial fishing lobby when
necessary.
Recreational Freshwater Angling
The unfortunate truth is that many very vocal and well funded conservation
groups lobby MEPs, and influence them in the belief that environmental
protection is all about denying people access to the use of the environment
and its resources. We as anglers need MEPs to present our cause in a
persuasive and convincing way, that angling has much to offer to people and
society without causing damage to the environment. We need MEPs who are
willing to take our side when we are up against agriculture and aquaculture
industries doing harm to fish, water or habitats.
Recreational Angling means Health and Welfare
… and a true family activity it is! Angling breaks down barriers and brings
people together, regardless of race, age, social class religion or politics.
Anti-crime programmes for young people based on angling show remarkably
positive results. Angling gives exactly what the hard-working people in
industrialised countries need the most – a way of combating stress, an
activity that lets people unwind and ‘get away from it all’.
Recreational Angling Offers a Sustainable Use of the Fish Stocks…
… and yet generates huge sums of money. Well-managed angling is a
sustainable activity, and a preferred pastime for more than 25 million
people in Europe. Their expenditure on fishing tackle and trips generates
more than 25 billion Euros to the European economy every year, with the bulk
of the benefits going to rural and remote communities. Angling also has a
huge growth potential, which should be developed, not restricted. We need
more MEPs dedicated to this cause.
Recreational Angling is simply one of the most important social and economic
activities in Europe!
What you can do ?
Before you put your vote in the ballot box, please check the party's
programme and manifestos and ask your preferred national candidate his or
her view on angling. Listen carefully to their answer, and do your bit for
all of us - anglers, environment and fish.
For more information:
Jan Kappel, Secretary-General
European Anglers´ Alliance (EAA)
42 Rue du Parnasse
B-1050 Brussels
Belgium
Tel/Fax:+32 (0)2 732 0309
E-mail : email@eaa-europe.org
Web: www.eaa-europe.org
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