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The practice of spearfishing in France is governed by the French Federation of Underwater Sports Fishing and the World Confederation of Underwater Activities (CMAS) at the international level.

Established in December 2002, the FNPSA was born out of tensions within the French Federation of Underwater Studies and Sports, which initially aimed to unify the two dominant practices of underwater sports: spearfishing and scuba diving for observation, archaeology, and photography.

Conflicts arose due to evolving environmental sensitivities, where diving was perceived as contemplative and respectful of the environment, while spearfishing was viewed as predatory and neglectful of its surroundings.

Numerous disputes erupted within the Federation, leading the spearfishing members to establish the FNPSA in 2002, with the intention of promoting, organizing, and developing sport diving, as well as the observation, knowledge, defense, and restoration of the marine environment.

Today, the FNPSA has 2,400 members across 9 regional leagues and 60 associations throughout mainland France and overseas territories.

On December 9, 2013, the Ministry of Sports, Youth, Popular Education, and Associative Life granted its approval to the French Federation of Underwater Sports Fishing, officially recognizing it at the national level as participating in the execution of a mission of general interest with a sporting character.

For more information, visit the official FNPSA website at the following address: www.fnpsa.net