Use and distribution of fishing management fees

The annual appropriations for promoting fisheries are collected as fishing management fees paid by fishers. The Fishing Act governs the use of the funds.

According to section 91 of the Fishing Act, the funds collected as fishing management fees are used for

  • the expenditure arising from the activities of fisheries organisations
  • promoting the fishing industry (various national and regional projects)
  • the expenditure arising from the activities of fishing districts
  • the compensation paid to the owners of fishing waters for the use of the waters (angling, jigging and ice-fishing)
  • the costs incurred by the State in collecting the payment.

National aid

Upon application, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry grants general aid for the activities of national organisations operating in the fisheries sector and special aid for national and other extensive projects to promote the fishing industry.

Regional aid

Upon application, the fishery authorities at the Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centres) grant special aid for regional projects promoting the fishing industry and general aid for the activities of fishing districts.

Compensation to the owners of fishing waters for the use of the waters (angling, jigging and ice-fishing) are paid annually through the ELY Centres without separate application. ELY Centres pay the compensation to fishing districts, which further distribute the funds to the owners of fishing waters.

The annual appropriations for promoting fisheries are collected as fishing management fees paid by fishers. The Fishing Act governs the use of the funds.