Going fishing on the island of Elba

Amateur fishing in the sea around Elba

Recreational sea fishing around the waters of Elba Island is a very popular activity, appreciated both by beginners and more experienced anglers. The variety of seabeds and the richness of the marine environment make the island an interesting destination for those who enjoy fishing from the shore, from a boat or while freediving.

However, the activity must always be carried out in compliance with national regulations, the ordinances issued by the Harbour Master's Office, any local restrictions and the rules concerning protected species or species subject to conservation plans.

Please pay attention to the regulations: recreational sea fishing is subject to specific rules. In particular:
• the maximum catch limit is generally 5 kg per person per day, except in the case of a single specimen weighing more;
• the sale of catches obtained through recreational or sport fishing is prohibited;
• for certain species, such as bluefin tuna, specific authorisations and catch reporting obligations apply;
• from 2026, new provisions regarding the registration and reporting of recreational fishing activities are in force;
• from 29 May 2026, the new sanctions framework established by Law no. 75 of 21 April 2026 comes into force.
Before fishing, it is always advisable to check the updated regulations with the competent Harbour Master's Office.

Mandatory registration for recreational sea fishing

In Italy, anyone wishing to practise recreational or sport sea fishing must complete the free registration through the official RecFishing app of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests, MASAF. The registration serves as a national census of recreational anglers and must be completed through the Ministry’s official channels.

The European electronic RecFishing system, designed to register and report catches and releases in the context of recreational and sport fishing, is intended for individuals over 16 years of age who practise recreational or sport underwater fishing or fishing from pleasure boats. Anglers fishing from the shore are exempt from the obligation to download the RecFishing app. During the transitional phase, until 31 December 2026, the requirement to open and close the app for every fishing session from boats or while underwater is suspended when fishing does not involve species subject to mandatory reporting.

However, it remains mandatory for all concerned anglers to register and report catches — including accidental catches or catches followed by release — of the species listed in MASAF Director’s Decree no. 0194803 of 27 April 2026: bluefin tuna, swordfish, albacore tuna and mahi-mahi.

Where fishing is not permitted on Elba

Fishing is not permitted in any port area. Fishing is also prohibited in the waters in front of Le Ghiaie beach and Le Viste beach, which are part of the Scoglietto biological protection area, established by Ministerial Decree of 10 August 1971.

During the bathing season, according to the bathing safety ordinance, any type of fishing other than underwater fishing regulated by specific rules is prohibited within 200 metres from beaches and 100 metres from rocky coastlines, between 8:30 am and 7:30 pm. Exceptions apply to rod fishing from piers and natural or artificial rocks where no bathers are present, and to the use of hand rakes while on foot, within the established limits. The use of rakes is in any case prohibited on public holidays, in the presence of bathers and between 9:30 am and 7:30 pm.

Underwater fishing

Underwater fishing is regulated by articles 128bis, 128ter, 129, 130 and 131 of the fishing regulations approved by Presidential Decree no. 1639 of 2 October 1968, and subsequent amendments and additions.

Scuba diving with tanks is permitted everywhere provided that the purpose is underwater photography or scientific activities, but not underwater fishing.
Professional underwater fishing is permitted exclusively to persons holding the special qualification of underwater fisherman.
Underwater fishing is permitted only while freediving, without the use of breathing apparatus. Spearguns may only be used by persons aged at least 16 years.
The recreational underwater fisherman may not collect corals, molluscs or crustaceans.
Diving activities must take place at least 500 metres from beaches frequented by bathers, 100 metres from fixed fishing installations and from ships anchored outside ports, in maritime transit areas designated by the local maritime authority.
It is forbidden to cross areas frequented by bathers with a loaded speargun.
Fishing in protected areas such as marine reserves or natural parks is strictly prohibited.
The practice of underwater fishing is prohibited from sunset to sunrise.
Anyone practising underwater fishing must signal their presence with the appropriate buoy or red flag with a diagonal white stripe. Each diver must remain within a radius of 50 metres from the vertical projection of the signal or support boat. Boats navigating nearby must maintain a minimum distance of 100 metres from the signals indicating the presence of a diver underwater.
For underwater fishing, a boat must remain close to the diver or a signalling buoy (red flag with diagonal white stripe) must be used.

What may be caught and catch limits

The maximum catch limit remains the standard 5 kilograms, unless there is a single fish weighing more than 5 kg. Only in this case may the underwater fisherman exceed the standard total weight limit.

In recreational underwater fishing, the collection of corals, crustaceans and molluscs is prohibited (except for cephalopods). It is not permitted to catch, possess, transport or sell undersized fish, juvenile fish, reptiles or mammals (such as turtles and dolphins), sharks or protected species.

The collection of sea urchins is permitted throughout the year except during May and June. The maximum permitted quantity is 50 specimens per day, with a minimum size of 7 cm.

No more than one grouper may be caught per day; for bluefin tuna and other species subject to specific regulations, it is necessary to check with the Harbour Master's Office or consult the official MASAF regulations.

Prohibition on selling catches

Any form of sale or trade of catches obtained through recreational or sport fishing is prohibited. Anyone selling or trading products from non-professional fishing risks an administrative fine ranging from €4,000 to €12,000.

Commercial businesses purchasing catches in violation of the regulations may also face suspension of their activity from 5 to 10 working days.

Penalties for exceeding catch limits

Exceeding the daily catch limit results in substantial administrative penalties. Without prejudice to the ordinary limit of 5 kg per person per day, except in the case of a single fish exceeding that weight, the legislation provides for:

from €500 to €3,000 for quantities exceeding 5 kg and up to 10 kg;
from €2,000 to €12,000 for quantities exceeding 10 kg and up to 50 kg;
from €12,000 to €50,000 for quantities exceeding 50 kg.

Penalties are increased by one third if the violation concerns species subject to recovery plans or bluefin tuna. Violations of recreational fishing regulations may also result in the seizure of equipment and further measures, especially in cases involving fishing in prohibited areas, catching protected species or trading catches.