Fishing tourism as a component of regional development: global experience and Ukrainian realities

The paper presents a comprehensive study of fishing tourism as a promising area of regional development, taking into account global experience and the specific conditions of Ukraine.It is established that fishing tourism, as a component of recreational and nature-based tourism, not only contributes to the growth of the local economy but also performs an important socio-ecological function: it provides both seasonal and permanent employment in rural areas, stimulates the development of small businesses (particularly in the food service, accommodation, and transportation sectors), promotes environmental education, and supports the conservation of aquatic biological resources through the introduction of controlled forms of fishing.The paper outlines key directions in the development of fishing tourism in the European Union, North America, and Asia, where this form of tourism is an integrated part of sustainable territorial development strategies, embedded in national policies, and supported at the investment, institutional, and infrastructure levels.It is revealed that the success of such models depends on clear rules of access to water resources, balanced ecological pressure, and effective intersectoral coordination among tourism, environmental protection, and fisheries sectors.Against this background, a critical analysis of the current state of fishing tourism in Ukraine is conducted.A number of systemic barriers are identified: regulatory uncertainty, lack of comprehensive spatial planning of water bodies with tourism potential, weak development of supporting infrastructure, limited marketing support, and poor coordination between state authorities, local governments, and the private sector.At the same time, the paper emphasizes Ukraine's considerable potential for establishing a competitive fishing tourism industry, owing to its extensive hydrographic network, rich ichthyofauna, and the ethno-cultural diversity of its regions.A range of practical recommendations is proposed for the institutionalization of this sector, including the creation of a favorable investment climate, the development of regional programs based on natural resource potential, the implementation of public-private partnership mechanisms, and the introduction of adaptive management oriented toward sustainable territorial development.