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This paper reviews the impacts of recreation on freshwater plants and animals, making a distinction between water- and shore-based activities, and between physical and chemical effects. Impacts of water-based recreation resulting mainly from boating, are discussed in terms of wash, turbulence and turbidity, propeller action, direct contact, disturbance to animals, and pollution from outboard motors and sewage. Impacts resulting from shore-based activities, such as angling and swimming, include trampling and associated effects, as well as sewage and other chemical impacts. Management for recreation is also considered. There is relatively more information on the effect of recreational activities on plants than on animals, but the authors consider that further research is required in both fields. Some possible approaches are presented. This review is extensive in the whole, and so is the section on disturbance.