Project & Contract CEFAS23-27 RFQ for socioeconomic review of recreational sea fishing in England

Cefas requires services to conduct a socioeconomic review of recreational sea fishing in England. Recreational sea fishing (RSF) is a high participation activity in the UK, with recent studies identifying the activity as having a substantial economic impact and social benefits to those who participate. However, the difficulty in quantifying these impacts and bringing them together means they are less well communicated and understood, hampering the ability to develop marine recreational fishing (MRF) as a sector, which is a key goal of the Fisheries Act 2020. Previous work by the Angling Trust, who are the recognised governing body for all recreational angling disciplines in England & Wales, as well as Defra and Cefas, has brought together some of the social and economic benefits of participating in and funding RSF. However, an analytical method of quantifying these benefits that is developed independently of industry and government is required. This methodology and the results from it will be used to inform future policy decisions.