One of the major problems facing sustainable development of recreational fisheries in Central and Eastern Europe is conflict with other resource user groups. Water quality problems, navigation, water abstractions for agriculture, hydropower development and recreational (non-fishery) use of waters were all highlighted. With the predicted increased demand for water and access to aquatic resources it is envisaged that these problems will get worse. New methods of resolving the conflicts to the benefit of all user groups are required and the principles of aquatic resources management planning may be a first step to achieving this.
One other issue that was highlighted was the problem of fish-eating birds, particularly cormorants. These birds, which are usually protected, have been shown (e.g. Austria), or perceived, to decimate fisheries.
