OO. 4d.2 Provide for a management of inland water fisheries catering for sport purposes that responds to ecological management objectives and ensures the balance and the quality of the fish populations

Wherever it takes place, inland water fisheries should respect ecosystem quality by avoiding overstocking with fish. Planting of indigenous fish, respecting local genetic strains, should be promoted. Populations of species of no fishing interest should be respected. Stocking of non-indigenous species should be avoided in order to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive alien species. Exaggerated baiting and consequent eutrophication must be avoided.

Restoration of inland water systems should be promoted: through biomanipulation*, fisheries may contribute to rehabilitation of clear water systems with macrophytes and high species richness instead of poor and banal turbid water systems characterised by algal blooms. Stocking of fish should achieve a balance between the carrying capacity of aquatic ecosystems and the size and structure of fish populations in order to promote clear water systems, so preventing turbid water systems with poor species diversity. Stocking of pools should be avoided: they are too small to carry populations of large fish. Furthermore, maintenance and creation of fish-free ponds should be promoted for specific biota, for example amphibians.