Yachting Art Magazine

The European recreational boating and recreational fishing sectors are taking their cooperation to the next level. On 24 June 2025, the European Boating Industry (EBI) and the European Fishing Tackle & Trade Association (EFTTA) formalised a partnership to coordinate their actions in favour of sustainability, innovation and the long-term development of these leisure activities.

This alliance provides for joint initiatives in several areas. In particular, the two organisations intend to step up their advocacy efforts, exchange data and harmonise their communication. The aim is to contribute to the development of European policies on the blue economy, access to maritime areas, environmental protection and tourism development. Events such as the Blue Innovation Dock organised by the EBI and the Angling Summit organised by the EFTTA will serve as showcases for this collaboration.

EBI represents a wide range of stakeholders in the European nautical sector. The organisation brings together shipbuilders, equipment manufacturers, marina operators and service providers. With a network of around 32,000 companies, mainly SMEs, the sector employs more than 280,000 people across the continent. Its aim is to support the industry in moving towards environmentally friendly practices and to strengthen the position of nautical tourism in the European economy.

For its part, EFTTA defends the interests of the European fishing tackle industry and recreational fishing stakeholders. The association brings together manufacturers, wholesalers, importers, exporters, agents, specialised media and professional federations. It also acts as a representative organisation to European bodies, with the mission of protecting recreational fishing, supporting the equipment sector and promoting the conservation of aquatic environments.

The partnership also provides for enhanced dialogue on issues related to the qualifications of practitioners and conditions of access to recreational activities. The implementation of joint projects will be guided by action plans and regular meetings between the management teams of the two organisations. Each organisation will retain its autonomy while engaging in operational cooperation.

The presidents of both organisations welcomed this initiative as a major step forward for the sectors concerned. According to Robert Marx, who chairs the EBI, the collaboration will enable the interests of the European nautical sector to be better defended at a time when sustainability and innovation are becoming increasingly important issues. He believes that this partnership will create new opportunities for the sector's stakeholders to make their voices heard by European decision-makers.

Gerard Bakkenes, president of EFTTA, emphasises that the agreement reflects the two organisations' shared desire to contribute to blue growth in line with the European Union's environmental objectives. He points out that recreational fishing and boating are activities that generate many jobs in Europe and whose future development requires a greater commitment to sustainability.

The two organisations also intend to promote the economic and social role of their sectors, while highlighting initiatives taken to preserve natural environments. Responsible practices by recreational boaters and fishermen, as well as actions by companies to restore aquatic ecosystems, are among the common communication priorities identified in the framework of this cooperation.