RecFishing: what changes for recreational sea fishing

The year 2026 marks an important turning point for those engaged in recreational sea fishing. With the introduction of the RecFishing system, the way certain catches must be declared is changing, with the aim of making recreational fishing more monitored and sustainable.

At the same time, recent regulatory updates have introduced a transitional phase and clarified several operational aspects, making the system easier to use and more aligned with the real needs of fishermen.

What is RecFishing and why it was introduced

RecFishing originates from European legislation aimed at collecting more accurate data on recreational fishing. Until now, catches made by recreational fishers have been difficult to quantify, especially for certain species of significant biological and economic importance.
To address this gap, a shared digital system has been introduced across several countries, allowing catches and releases to be recorded in a standardized way. In Italy, the obligation specifically applies to four species:

- Thunnus thynnus (Bluefin tuna)
- Xiphias gladius (Swordfish)
- Coryphaena hippurus (Dolphinfish / Mahi-mahi)
- Thunnus alalunga (Albacore tuna)

It is important to clarify that the purpose of this regulation is solely to quantify fishing effort on these species and not to track fishermen. 

Who must use it

The RecFishing app is intended for recreational and sport fishers over the age of 16 who fish from boats or practice spearfishing. For these users, registration on the app is mandatory and is also required to obtain or renew the recreational fishing license.

An important clarification introduced recently concerns shore-based fishers, who are completely exempt from the obligation to use the app. This is a significant point, as it considerably reduces the impact of the regulation on a large share of fishing practitioners.

The fishing session

One of the most significant changes concerns the management of the so-called “fishing session.” In the initial version of the system, fishers were required to open and close a session on the app for every fishing trip.

Today this requirement has been suspended. A transitional phase has been introduced, valid until 31 December 2026, during which it is no longer necessary to open the app for every fishing session, whether fishing from a boat or engaging in spearfishing.

It has also been clarified that there is no obligation to open and close a session when the targeted or caught species are not subject to mandatory registration. The app must therefore be used only when one of the four monitored species is caught (even accidentally) or released.

RecFishing: a step toward the future of fishing

Having real and up-to-date data on recreational fishing catches means being able to make more informed decisions regarding species management. In the past, the lack of information made it difficult to assess the real impact of this activity; today, however, there is a shift toward greater awareness.

In the future, this could lead to more balanced regulations, better distribution of fishing periods, and more effective protection of the species that truly need it.

Source: FIPSAS