Central level

Management of fisheries policy in France is shared under the Common Fisheries Policy of the European Union.

The central government is responsible for the overall legislation. Additionally, central government is responsible for:

• Improving value from fish catch and  resource conservation;
• Developing optimal fishing methods;
• Aquaculture development.
• Reef protection;
• Regulation and inspections of the fishing industry;
• Support for research in fisheries;
• Support for the development of fisheries, fish industry, fishery harbours;
• Fishing license arrangements for recreational fisheries;
• Management of the European Maritime Fisheries Fund.

Regional and intermediate level

Regional authorities are responsible for devising and implementing programmes under the European Maritime Fisheries Fund via the national managing authority.

Intermediate level

Departmental authorities are responsible for:

• Creation, development and operation of non-transferred sea, trade and fishing ports
• Surveillance of departmental seaports;
• Development, maintenance and operation of transferred non-navigable water bodies, lakes and bodies of water.

Local ​level

Municipalities support local fisheries on a voluntary basis.

They are additionally responsible for

• Implementing programmes under the European Maritime Fisheries Fund via the national managing authority.
• Management and licensing of yachts at the local level.

Responsible ministries/bodies

Ministry of Agriculture and Food

Sources

EMFF Factsheet, France