Commercial sea fishing in Poland

Fishing at sea is strictly regulated by law. The formalities we need to fulfill depend on whether we intend to fish recreationally or commercially. Today, we will focus solely on commercial fishing.

The Baltic Sea is one of the most important fishing areas in Europe. Around 304,000 tons of fish are caught here annually, with over 90% consisting of herring, sprat and flatfish such as flounder. Nearly 6,000 registered fishing vessels operate in the region, which demonstrates the scale and significance of this sector.

When can commercial fishing be conducted

To conduct commercial fishing legally, it is essential to have the proper documents:

• a fishing license,
• a special fishing permit.

A fishing license is mandatory for all fishing vessels conducting commercial fishing in maritime waters. Without a license, legal fishing is simply not possible.

A special fishing permit is required when fishing for specific species or in areas where catch limits are set. This permit specifies the fishing conditions and includes:

• catch quotas,
• number of fishing days,
• permitted fishing areas.

Who does not need these documents

Individuals fishing recreationally, for personal use, generally do not need a fishing license or a special fishing permit. However, it is always worth checking local regulations, as there may be additional requirements regarding equipment or fishing methods.

How to obtain a fishing license

To obtain a license, an application must be submitted with information about the vessel and the fishing equipment. The application for a fishing license should include:

• details of the vessel (e.g. length, width, draft),
• information about the vessel’s owner (name, address of residence or headquarters),
• type and number of fishing tools that will be used,
• the vessel’s fishing designation,
• previous designations of the vessel if they have been assigned,
• the IMO number, if assigned.

How to obtain a special fishing permit

The application for a special fishing permit must be submitted to the Chief Inspectorate of Marine Fishers by October 31st of the year preceding the year for which it is to be issued. The application should include, among other things:

• vessel and owner data,
• fish species to be caught,
• requested catch quota or number of fishing days,
• area of fishing,
• type and number of fishing tools.

Consequences of not having permits

Penalties arise from non-compliance with regulations specified in fishing laws, such as the Marine Fishers Act. These regulations aim to protect fish resources and ensure sustainable fishing practices. The lack of required fishing license can result in a fine of up to 5,000 PLN, and the absence of a special fishing permit mat incur an additional fine of up to 3,000 PLN. Moreover, repeat violations can lead to fines up to 11 or 15 rimes the value of the caught fish.

The Chief Inspectorate of Marine Fishers and regional marine fisheries inspectorates conduct inspections to ensure that all vessels have the necessary licenses and permits.

Reflections

Having the appropriate documents not only protects against fines but also supports the sustainable development of fisheries. Legal fishing practices help protect marine resources and ensure their availability for future generations. Compliance with regulations contributes to the health of the marine ecosystem and the economic stability of the region.