Starting this spring, Italian authorities are requiring all fishermen to be registered, a free process that will help track the number of recreational sea fishers and what kind of fishing they do. It will help the country manage sea fisheries and collect data for the EU. This isn't a licensing scheme; instead the fishers will get certificates to prove they've registered. If someone is caught without a certificate after May 1, they have 10 days to register, or will face penalties. The European Fishing Tackle Trade Association has said it is pleased with the plan, and hopes that the authorities will also look at the socioeconomic impact and jobs created in the recreational fishing sector. It would like to see the generic term “recreational fishing” broken down into specific types, such as anglers, nets, pots and spearfishing. Additionally, EFTTA would like to see initiatives such as this in all countries in Europe.

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