Fishing reserve

Temporary fishing reserves are intended to support the reproduction and protection of fished aquatic species in the context of the conservation of biodiversity and the development of sustainable management practices for halieutic resources.

Fishing reserves management

In France, fishing reserves are established by the prefectoral authority, after consulting the National Agency for Water and Aquatic Environments (ONEMA, or 'l'Office national de l'eau et des milieux aquatiques' in French), the local federation of approved fishing and fish farming associations and approved professional freshwater fishing associations.

A prefectoral order defines the location and upstream and downstream limits of a fishing reserve, as well as its duration, which can be up to a maximum of 5 years.

In these reserves, all forms of fishing are prohibited, whatever species is being managed (fish, frogs, crustaceans and their spawn). Extraordinary fishing and capture operations may, however, be undertaken for scientific, health or ecological reasons.

Permanent fishing reserves

There are also areas where fishing is permanently prohibited or regulated: fish passageways, water passages between gates or locks (winnowing, sluices) or under buildings, as well as areas near dams.

Finally, approved fishing and fish farming associations can voluntarily and locally establish fishing reserves that their members must respect.