PART II
COUNTRY REVIEWS (Contd)

HUNGARY COUNTRY REVIEW

INTRODUCTION

Hungary is a landlocked country consequently the demand for fish is rather low and is mostly for freshwater fish. Development of the fisheries has to meet this demand. Recently the demand has grown: total meat consumption doubled from the year 1950; at the same time fish consumption is four times as high as in that year. In spite of this the yearly per capita consumption of fish is only 2,3 kg (including imports and catches of anglers) while the total meat consumption is 74 kg. Such a diet is considered by experts as not appropriate. Our task is therefore to increase the share of fish in meat consumption. As compared to the other countries this figure seems to be very low, but it has to be noted that the main proportion is from freshwater fish (1,5 kg) which has to be produced in the country.

In Hungarian waters about 70 fish species are to be found as a consequence of hydrogeographical conditions of the Carpathian Basin and introductions carried out by the authorities. Most of these species are cyprinids and percids which are warm-water fishes. This fact also influences the development of the Hungarian fisheries.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food is responsible for fishery policy and production policy.

IMPORTANCE OF DIFFERENT MODES OF FISH PRODUCTION

Aquaculture

The most important production method is fish farming in ponds. As geographical conditions in Hungary are ideal for fish-pond construction, establishment of ponds started as early as the end of the 19th Century. Technology of fish production has developed rapidly, especially since 1950.

Pond farming is carried out with polyculture (carp + herbivorous fishes + predators) to secure optimal utilization of ponds. The principle of this technology is to achieve high yields by manipulation of protein production in the ponds and not to introduce it from outside.

Main fish species of fish farms are the following:

carp (Cyprinus carpio),
bighead (Aristichthys nobilis),
silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix),
grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella),
wels (Silurus glanis),
pike-perch (Stizostedion lucioperca),
tench (Tinca tinca).

Trout production is carried out only in three farms.

Gross production of fish farms was 23 600 tons in 1978.

Some of the fish farms are specialized to carry out only a certain phase of the production cycle. Propagation is in the most advanced stage of specialization.

In addition to the species mentioned above, technologies were elaborated for the propagation of the following fish species, important in the stocking of natural waters:

pike (Esox lucius),
barbel (Barbus barbus),
sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus),
asp (Aspius aspius),
black bass (Micropterus salmoides).

Techniques elaborated can be applied, with slight modification, to any required warm-water species.

Besides specialization, also the integration of small production units is essential. To achieve this goal a Fish Production System has been organized by the State Farm at Bikal. The State Farm provides for the members of the System detailed production technology, increase of yields, and stocking material (in qualitative and quantitative respect), and it organizes the marketing. For these, appropriate fees have to be paid to the State Farm. The State Farm carries out this work by the help of introduction of newest scientific results (sometimes those not yet published) adapting them to local conditions.

Commercial Fisheries on Natural Waters

Importance of natural waters is not decreasing in Hungary in spite of the development of aquaculture. Yields of natural waters are increasing although water pollution causes problems. The area of natural waters is increasing too. In recent decades several reservoirs were constructed and the fishery utilization of these was organized too. Production of commercial fisheries on natural waters reached 5 919,6 tons in 1978. Composition of captured fish according to the various sectors is shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Catches by different utilizers of fishing rights in 1978.

^a Catches of Hungarian National Angling Union originate from stock regulations.
^b Catches of anglers originate from a total area of about 120 000 ha.
^c They are not professionals, catches originate from waters utilized by other sectors.

The table contains the data of recreational fisheries, too, including the catches of anglers. The total production achieved 9 005 tons. This figure is more important because of the coexistence of commercial and recreational fisheries. The main problems of commercial fisheries originate from this coexistence and they are presented in the next sections.

Recreational Fisheries

Present State

In recent years, similar to other European countries, the number of anglers increased rapidly. The increase from 1960 to 1978 is shown in Table 2. Number of licensed resident anglers exceeds 200 000.

Anglers' claims are highly respected by social organs and by the Ministry itself. Development of recreational fisheries has been carried out according to the following principles:

1. Opportunities for recreational fisheries have to be developed without losses in the commercial catches of the country.

2. Management of natural waters has to secure the production of fish species which cannot be produced economically in fish farms.

3. Catches from natural waters have to cover the gap in the marketing of fish during the summer when fish farms do not sell their products.

4. Formation of appropriate stock composition for full utilization of natural water bodies cannot be carried out by angling.

5. Without securing appropriate bag for the anglers we cannot speak about the development of recreational fisheries, because we would deprive it of its main motive in this way.

6. The angler cannot sell his catch. This is justified by the fact that it would not be desirable to secure extra income for those who have considerably more free time.

7. The main goal is to secure recreational possibilities for everybody, the number of anglers cannot be limited.

These principles resulted in the development of angling in Hungary in a special way. Commercial fisheries were eliminated only in areas around bigger towns and in some recreational areas. Generally commercial fisheries and sport fishing exist together.

Table 2. Number of licensed resident anglers (1 000s) in Hungary, 1960–1978.

Table 3. Catches of licensed resident anglers.

^a Basis of values given is the price achieved for each fish species by producers in 1977.

From the point of view of recreational fisheries three basic forms of fishery management are found in Hungary:

1. Commercial and recreational fisheries are simultaneously carried out on certain water bodies (the majority of natural waters belong to this category including Lake Balaton of 60 500 ha).

2. Some waters are utilized exclusively for recreational fishing purposes.

3. There are “intensive” waters where no anglers are admitted and fish-farm-like management is carried out.

Presently 0,45 ha from type A and 0,09 ha of type B waters are available for each angler.

Captures on these waters in 1971 and 1978 are shown in Table 3. It is evident from this table that as a consequence of the increasing number of anglers, the average catch per capita has improved only minimally. At the same time value of fish caught increased considerably and so the value of per capita catch is higher. This improvement is the result of the capture of more valuable fish species.

Table 4 shows the sequence of fish species according to their importance. It is obvious that carp has taken the first place and at the same time the importance of grass carp has been increasing too.

Further Development

Further increase in number of anglers is anticipated in the future. This increase should not result in a decline of per capita catches.

Further development is planned according to the principles described in the previous passage. Precondition for this is that commercial fishing interests should be financially interested in the development of recreational fishing possibilities. As a general tendency cooperatives managing natural waters first develop fish farms to produce stocking material. At the same time their activities on natural waters are getting to be restricted to selective fishing.

Area of waters utilized exclusively by angling (type B water) is not expected to increase considerably in the future. At the same time area of those waters which are utilized by the Hungarian National Angling Union but are selectively fished by nets will increase. The best method for organization of selective fishing is a contract between the managing angling association and the closest fishery cooperative. Water bodies under the contract are stocked by the fishery cooperative with silver carp and bighead which are not caught by anglers. During the recapture of these fishes the cooperative carries out the selective fishing for other species too. Incomes from selective fishing are shared by the angling association and the cooperative. In this way the angling association has a considerable additional income which is used for the development of angling. The first experiment for such collaboration was made in 1977. At present 3 bigger closed-water bodies are utilized in such a way.

Increasing incomes from the contribution of anglers and from the above mentioned selective fishing activities allows more intensive development. Fields of development can be as follows:

1. Construction of dams serving exclusively recreational purposes.

2. Waters stocked intensively with commercial-size fish to meet the demand of the increasing number of anglers (fee-fishing).

3. Development of phases of the recreational cycle which are not in close connection with catching fish.

Table 4. Rod catches of different fish species in the order of importance.

^a Includes species of low commercial value: bream (Abramis brama), white bream (Blicca bjoerkna), roach (Rutilus rutilus), orfe (Leuciscus idus), crucian carp (Carassius carassius), silver crucian (Carassius auratus gibelio), etc.

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

Ownership and Fishing Rights

All fish in natural waters and man-made reservoirs are state-owned and their exploitation is carried out by organizations appointed for this purpose by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. The management of waters is carried out by state enterprises, agricultural and fishery cooperatives as well as the Hungarian National Angling Union (HNAU). Fishing rights are granted for an undetermined period and can be withdrawwn only in cases of bad management or for important economic reasons.

When fishing rights are granted to a fishery organization, the state (in this case: the responsible county council) prescribes the compulsory minimum level of stocking although it is desirable to surpass this to achieve larger catches.

Compulsory prescriptions may cover other fields of management besides stocking. In some cases some methods of fishing may be prohibited or the introduction of certain species not allowed. In waters exclusive for anglers (HNAU-utilization) selective fishing may also be prescribed in defined intervals. All restrictions are included in the management plans. Fishery activities are controlled by the fishery inspectors of county councils. If major negligence on behalf of the managing organization is stated the inspector of the county council may propose to the Ministry the withdrawal of the fishing right, and at the same time advise another organization for utilization.

The cooperatives and the HNAU pay fees for the use of fishing rights, the amount depending upon the quality and the fishery possibilities of the given water area. These fees are paid to a special Fishery Fund which is used for the development of fisheries, e.g., establishment of hatcheries, technological development, research.

Angler Organizations

All anglers have to be members of anglers' associations. Exception is allowed to those who are angling only during their holiday and buy permits valid for 2 weeks. The number of these is not significant yet.

There are 585 angling associations in Hungary at present. These associations are usually founded by anglers living in one area or working in the same institution. In the latter case the association may receive some support from the social funds of the institution or from the trade union. The smallest association has 11 members while the biggest 13 000. Associations with fewer than 50 members are financially weaker, consequently they do not own social establishments, e.g., housing facilities. At the same time the biggest associations can operate only if they form groups. These groups usually include members from the same working place.

All associations are members of the HNAU. The HNAU has to care for the professional and ethical education of the anglers, to help the associations in management matters and guard their interests.

The Ministry consults with the HNAU before preparing measures in which anglers are concerned. In case of local matters the county council consults with associations directly and with the HNAU at the same time. For the above there are no legal regulations but because of practical reasons these consultations facilitate the work of the authorities.

Licensing

In Hungary licensing is in close connection with the membership in an angling association.

This causes no problem in the majority of angling associations. Those who had no license in the previous year have to pass a verbal examination where basic knowledge of angling is tested. Questions are mainly directed to identification of fish species. The candidate has to recognize those species which have no open seasons (nature protection); moreover the knowledge of open seasons and size limits for all species is also required. To facilitate education of anglers, the HNAU issues papers on this subject and points out books of which knowledge is recommended.

Number of members is closed in some associations. These associations manage closed water bodies where the number of anglers must be limited. The refused angler is put on a waiting list. He is taken as a member when there is a possibility for this. The candidate, of course, may enter another association. Those associations which are financially supported by one of the employers or by a trade union will take members only from the employees of the given institution.

After having paid for association membership, a state license has to be acquired, the fee for which is 20 Ft (for comparison: average value of each kg of fish captured by anglers in 1978 was 22,8 ft). In addition, a permit has to be rented from the utilizer of fishing rights. This can be valid for one water body, for several utilized by the same organization or for virtually all natural waters in Hungary. Fees paid for permits belong to those exercising the fishing rights (state enterprises, cooperatives and in the case of the HNAU, member associations). Fees received for combined permits (for waters utilized by different organizations) are divided proportionally taking into consideration the number of visitors for each sector.

Annual fees for permits for adults vary according to the fishing quality of a given area, being on the average 90 Ft for waters utilized by fishery cooperatives, 250 Ft for Lake Balaton (state fishery enterprise) and 150 Ft for waters fished exclusively by anglers. Anglers can purchase permits for any water irrespective of where the headquarters of their association is located. Generally they have only one annual permit for water near their home and purchase additional 1-day or 1-week permits for excursions.

Juveniles between the ages of 14 and 18 pay less than adults. Children under 14 can fish with a license (price: 60 Ft) which includes the permit charge for all natural waters opened for anglers in Hungary.

REFERENCE SOURCES AND PUBLICATIONS

Dobrai, L. 1976 A horgászsport helyzete és a fejlesztési elképzelések. Halászat, 22(3):65–67.

Dobrai, L. and K. Pintér. 1979 A tervidőszak első 3 éve. Halászat, 25(3): 65–67.

Gönczy, J. 1976 Halászati termelőszövetkezetek ötéves fejlesztési célkitőzései. Halászat, 22(6): 168–170.

Gönczy, J. and K. Pintér. 1979 Holtágak halászati hasznositásának fejlesztési lehetőségei. Halászat, 25(2): 39–42.

Holly, I. 1973 A számok tükrében. Horgászat 1973. Budapest, Népszava Lapkiadó Váll.: 156–158.

Keszei, K. 1976 A sporthorgászat eredményei és további feladatai. Halászat, 22(5): 144–147.

Pintér, K. 1974 Alvarisztika és horgászat—természethez vonzó pihentető módok. Buvár, 39(2): 93–96.

Pintér, K. 1977 A horgászat fejlődése és a zsákmányok alakulása. Halászat, 23(5): 131–134.

Pintér, K. 1978 Socio-economic aspects of the development of sport fisheries in Hungary, pages 181–194 in J.S. Alabaster, ed. Recreational freshwater fisheries: their conservation, management and development. Stevenage, WRC.

THE NETHERLANDS COUNTRY REVIEW

B. Steinmetz

INTRODUCTION

The role of the inland fisheries has changed structurally during the last 50 years from a situation with mainly professional inland fishing with some recreational fishing to the reverse situation the last 10 to 20 years. Key factors in the process of decline of the professional fishery were:

• canalization and pollution of the main rivers Rhine and Meuse and tributaries with their Atlantic salmon, trout, shad, twaite shad, eel and coarse fish fisheries;

• overfishing of certain species;

• changes in the demand, especially for more high quality fish as protein source, resulting in a decreasing demand for coarse fish like bream and roach.

This process was partly stopped during and shortly after World War II. Even Atlantic salmon returned in the catches in 1946 and 1947, probably because of a temporary improvement of the water quality and the availability of earlier spawning areas following the bombing of a number of dams. After World War II the interest in sport fishing increased tremendously. The number of licenses issued to sport fishermen increased from 540 000 in 1964/65 to 980 000 in 1977/78. This represents 4–7% of the Dutch population. Moreover, recent investigations (1972/75) indicated that about 400 000 people 15 years and older fished without the required license whereas another 650 000 youth (younger than 15 years), who don't need a license for fishing with one “normal” rod, fished one or more times a year. Also fishing in coastal waters and in the sea, which is done by about 170 000 persons, is increasing.

In this respect it will not be surprising that sport fishing in the densely populated Netherlands is considered more from a social point of view than from an economical one. At the same time the investment of 2 million sport fishermen is an important factor. In 1974 it was estimated that the substitution value of the gear of about 790 000 licensed sport fishermen was approximately $12 000 000, boats and trailers not included; with these items, $18 000 000.

RESOURCE AND ROLE OF THE RECREATIONAL FISHERIES

Sport fishing is considered an important part of outdoor recreation, which is of structural importance in the leisure time of the Dutch population. In 1975 a study revealed that 15% of the population fished in the period of May until September, 28% participated actively in sports and 49% went for a walk one or more times. The policy of the Dutch Government with regard to sport fishing—which is divided between 2 ministries—is focused on stimulation of this activity. For the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries the following has to be mentioned:

Fishery Policy

Development of the sport and professional (inland) fishery policy is a part of the total policy of this Ministry. In the inland fishery policy, sport fishing has priority over professional fishing (considering their interests), except for Lake IJssel (200 000 ha).

Extension

In the 11 provinces of the Netherlands an extension worker is available to assist the institutions and organizations with their fishery management and related problems. Moreover there are two extension workers in this field with a special task for Lake IJssel and the border lakes. They are supported by a general centralised staff, 7 persons of academic level and 6 others, which is also responsible for the policy mentioned above.

Research

Within the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, research based on needs in the field of fishery management as well as the behavioral aspects of sport fishermen is done by two institutes. Part of this work is done by other institutes and organizations, sometimes paid by the Government. The Organization for the Improvement of Inland Fisheries (OVB), which is financed by the licenses issued in the Netherlands, is of main importance. The aim of this organization is to improve the inland fisheries, which can be done by producing, purchasing, selling and stocking of fish and by other measures such as financial support focused on the improvement of the fish stock or the fishing water. This task is described in the Fisheries Law.

Legal Regulations as Described in the Fisheries Law of 1963

This law covers the field of regulations connected with the fishery management, such as minimum length of the different fish species, closed seasons, etc., as well as those concerning the issue of fishing rights and the institutional responsibility for fisheries work.

Inventories

Inventories, taken at a certain time intervals, provide information about the available inland fishing waters and the demand for fishing and focus on gaps between supply and demand.

Subsidiary Activities

The Ministry subsidizes a number of possible improvements of the inland fisheries such as improvement of bank facilities for boats for fishing in existing waters, and creation of new fishing water (ponds, etc.). Moreover, until 1979 funds were made available for the improvement of the legal situation with regard to the fishing rights. The governmental policy is to stimulate the division of the fishing rights in such a way that the organizations of the sport fishermen are responsible for the management of all fish except eel, for which the professional fishermen should be responsible. Agreements between sport and professional fishermen were subsidized before 1979.

The Ministry of Culture, Recreation and Social Work is responsible for the total outdoor recreation and the realisation of outdoor projects. In many of these projects facilities for sport fishing are created. Furthermore this ministry makes and administers the Law on Nature Conservation which forbids the catching of several fish species. The concerned species are in almost all cases of no importance for sport fishing.

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

Proprietary Authority

In the Netherlands the inland waters can be owned by state, provincial and local authorities and by private persons, foundations, churches, etc. In general, the ownership of the water and the fishing rights cannot be separated, this is forbidden by the Fisheries Law. In situations where the above mentioned ownership is separated, historical seignorial rights dating before 1848 are the cause. So private ownership of the fishing right is primarily derived from ownership of the water, apart from the historical rights already indicated.

Fishing rights in polders and rivers are often derived from ownership of riparian land. In this context it is understandable that fishing rights cannot be severed legally from riparian ownership other than with ownership of the water. However, in polders this is also not possible, due to the fact that the owners of riparian land are obliged to clean the polder ditches and canals.

In ditches which separate properties, the middle of the water is the borderline. Both owners are allowed to fish with professional fishing gear in their part of the water (a license is needed).

The transfer of fishing rights is possible by lease or permit. Each agreement with regard to the transfer of fishing rights must be approved by the Chamber for Inland Fisheries which, according to the Fisheries Law, is to control each agreement on:

1. effectiveness of the proposed fishing, that is to say attention is paid to the agreement in the context of the fishery management of the concerned water and possible other existing agreements with regard to the sport and professional fisheries;

2. justice with regard to prices, the time for the agreement, etc.

If an agreement is not approved by this Chamber the contracting parties are invited to give more information or to bring the agreement in line with the Fisheries Law.

Since 1970, one of the goals in the government's policy of priority for sport fishing is to divide the fishing rights in such a way that the sport fishermen lease the fishing rights for all fish except eel and sometimes tench. The professional fishermen should lease the eel fishing rights. This type of leasing is stimulated and effected as much as possible in state and provincially owned waters and in waters owned by local governments. This policy is followed by the Chamber for Inland Fisheries.

With regard to the prices for fishing rights there is a small and slowly growing tendency to charge only a small amount. The idea behind this is that many others forms of outdoor recreation using the same water bodies don't pay for their use at all.

Legislative Authority

The Dutch Fisheries Law of 1963, with decrees and possible revisions, is the direct responsibilities of the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and covers the regulations with regard to:

1. legal size, closed seasons;

2. registration of fishing vessels;

3. sea fisheries;

4. coastal fisheries;

5. inland fisheries;

   1. licenses and the part destinated for the OVB;

   2. regulations for the sake of the fishstock, such as forbidden fishing gear, minimum mesh sizes, etc.;

   3. agreements of fishing rights and the tasks and responsibilities of the Chamber for Inland Fisheries;

   4. the tasks and responsibilities of the OVB;

   5. sanctions.

Licensing of access and regulations with regard to the fishery ownership is the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice.

Operational Management

Administration of the Fisheries Law is done by (1) the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for a number of regulations, (2) the Chamber for Inland Fisheries, (3) the General Inspection Service of the same Ministry for the control on the enforcement of the law, which is to the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice.

The responsibility for the management of the fish stock in inland waters—except Lake IJssel—belongs to those who have the fishing rights by ownership or lease. of the total available inland waters, 151 000 ha without Lake IJssel, the fishing rights of 93 600 ha are in the hands of organizations of sport fishermen; whereas 28 000 ha are accessible to them by permit. In 102 000 ha of the total 151 000 ha fishing with one “normal” rod on fish like bream, roach and carp is free. These waters are navigable streams with regular trafficking of persons and or goods of economic value.

For fishing with a “special” rod on, for example, pike a permit of the owner or tenant of the fishing right is needed.

In connection with the governmental policy of division of fishing rights the coordination of the management by sport and professional fishermen is stimulated in the extension services of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and sometimes prescribed in the agreements for leasing state, provincial or local governmental waters. To stimulate this division of fishing rights the Ministry has subsidized this kind of agreement between sport and professional fishermen for a number of years.

Measures for the improvement of the sport fishery, such as the improvement of banks, fishing piers, enlarging or deepening fishing waters, are also subsidized. This is also true for the creation of new waters such as fish ponds in areas with inadequate fishing possibilities. The subsidy can amount up to 70% of all costs relevant for the sport fishery (since 1980, 75%).

The extension activities mentioned above, however, are considered one of the major activities of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Private Sector Involvement

The role of the private sector in sport fisheries is mainly restricted to the activities of the organizations of sport fishermen. Private business concerns the (normal) sale of rods, tackle, boats, etc. Providing charter boats is restricted to about 165 large boats with approximately 4 000 places in coastal waters. Furthermore, large numbers of small row boats, sometimes with outboard motors, are available for renting, but exact information on numbers is lacking.

Periodicals and or magazines beside those of the organizations of sport fishermen are limited to less than 5.

Involvement of Sport Fishermen

Based on a national outdoor survey in 1975 and other information it can be stated that in 1975 approximately 2,1 million Dutch people fished one or more-times in the period of May until September, of which: (a) 860 000 were with license; (b) 650 000 were people youger than 15, who in most cases do not need a license; (c) 400 000 were persons of 15 years and older without license; (d) 170 000 were sea fishermen, who do not need a license for sea angling.

There are two national organizations of which the Dutch Union of Associations of Sport Fishermen (NVVS) has approximately 450 000 members in member associations and the Central Dutch Organization of Sport Fishermen (CNHV) with 20 000 members. These organizations and the national organization of professional fishermen are involved in the discussion with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries about topics of the policy, such as changes of the Fisheries Law, subsidiary facilities of the Ministry, etc.

The NVVS and CNHV both have their own periodical, whereas the NVVS also has a bulletin focused on the functioning of committees of federations. Moreover this organization has formed a corps of water quality controllers (oxygen is the key factor in this work) and does extension on management of fish stocks. As already mentioned the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries subsidizes facilities up to 70% of their cost for sport fishing. The other 30% has to paid by the organizations of clubs themselves or has to be granted by others. The clubs and or federations, however, have to start the activities with the aid of an extension worker in the concerned province.

The purchase by organizations of ground and or water is not subsidizable (except for governmental bodies such as a municipality).

The reasons mentioned by licensed sport fishermen in the Dutch national sport fishermen survey (1972) for being organized (49% are members of an organization of sport fishermen) are:

• 75% joined for the permit of the organization/club;

• 10% because of the better management of the fish stock in the water(s) of the organization;

• 8% due to the fact that the water(s) of the organization(s) was at a closer distance than the free (navigable) waters;

• 7% for activities of the organization(s).

The number of sport fishermen with a membership in more than one club was restricted to 9%; the other 91% were members of only one club or organization.

Another result of this survey concerned the number of sport fishermen that terminated their membership (17% of all license holders). Their reasons were: 12% bad fishing water in the club; 9% the club is inactive; 10% the contribution is too high.

Fishery Management and Coordination Arrangements

As was already indicated there are regular contacts between the organizations and the government. To promote these contacts and to improve these a national advisory board for inland fisheries is under study and will be installed in 1980. This board should focus on management topics of fish stocks as well as on research and legal topics.

RECREATIONAL FISHERIES PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Supply

In the previous material some information with regard to the supply was given. Summarized, the water available in the Netherlands is (1 000s of hectares):

In addition, there are the following bank lengths (1 000 of kilometers):

These data given for the Netherlands are available for each province and based on an inventory for each of the 850 municipalities. Moreover attention is paid to the technical factors which limit the use of the available water such as (1) no lease of fishing rights to the sport fishermen, (2) no lease of the rights to use banks, (3) no access to the water, (4) bad talus or too little or too much depth (5) too heavy plant growth, (6) poor water quality, (7) use by other recreationists and (8) others.

Factor 2 is one of the major problems in almost all provinces. The other factors are of more or less importance in one or more provinces. Water quality at the moment is of minor importance as a limiting factor for coarse fish like bream, roach and eel. However for salmon and trout the overall conditions are still insufficient for their return, not only because of the water quality, but also due to canalization works, etc.

The information does not pay attention to the quality of the environment of the fishing waters and the condition of the fish stocks. After the inventory of the available waters and an assessment of demand by each Dutch municipality further studies in areas with heavy utilization will be started. The scheme for estimating the demand will also be presented as special paper. The demand studies are based on the number of licenses issued per municipality and other (research) information.

In management the major problems are (1) managing the fish stock of large lakes and rivers with the changed and or changing commercial fishery leading to unbalanced fish populations, (2) the coordination and integration of fishery management according to the interests of both the sport and professional fishermen, (3) lack of knowledge about effectiveness of the fishery management in these changing conditions and (4) insufficient research capacity to overcome these problems.

KEY AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN RECREATIONAL FISHERIES

See Annex 1.

DEFINITIONS

Sport fisherman: somebody who fishes with one or two rods or a bob. Gill nets and fykes, for example, are not considered as gear for a sport fisherman.

In the Netherlands in the Fisheries Law rods are distinguished as “normal” and “special” types. The “normal” rod is baited with, for example, a piece of bread or a worm, whereas with a “special” rod artificial baits/lures, like spinners, plugs, etc., and live fish are used. For using only one “normal” rod, every person of 15 years and older needs a license; in this case the cheapest one of Dfl. 5,20 is the angling certificate.

For fishing with two “normal” rods or a “special” rod and a normal one or a bob the small fishing license (Dfl. 11,10) is needed for everybody, whereas a large fishing license is required when using professional gear like gill nets and fykes. Also for fishing with two special rods a large fishing license is required. The licenses are for sale at every post office.

In Annex 2 the annual number of licenses per 100 inhabitants of the Netherlands is given for the angling certificate, the small fishing license and the large fishing license. Furthermore a permit of the owner or tenant of the fishing right normally is needed except for fishing with one normal rod in navigable streams.

Professional fisherman: a definition is in study.

Fish: in the Netherlands almost all fish in the inland waters are so called coarse fish (beam, pike-perch, etc.) A distinction between game, recreational and food fish generally is not made. Fishing for food on coarse fish is limited. On the average 80% of the fish caught are put back, except eel, pike-perch and pike of which respectively about 60, 35 and 45% are taken home. Seafish caught by sport fishermen are mostly eaten.

ANNEX 1: NETHERLANDS FISHERY AGENCIES

Responsible Ministry

All fisheries rest with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries which acts through the Direction for Land Development (Director General, W.M. Otto). This Directorate includes among others the Directorate of Fisheries (Director Th.J. Tienstra, Bezuiden-houtseweg 73, P.O. Box 20401, 2500 E.K. The Hague; other services indicated with an asterisk (*) have the same address).

Administration Services and Related Institutes

The Directorate of Fisheries includes the following Departments.

1. Sea and Inshore Department* (Chief: A.C. Freling).

2. Sport Fishery and Professional Inland Fisheries Department* (Chief: H.G.J. Bouquet). This department is responsible for the governmental fishery policy with regard to sport fishing and professional inland fisheries and the inland fisheries extension. There are 3 divisions: 1. Inland Fisheries Extension (Chief: B. Steinmetz); 2. Inland Fisheries Management (Chief: H.G.J. Oudelaar); 3. Water Quality and Environmental Planning (Chief: L.M. van Haasteren).

3. General Affairs* (Chief: A. Schonenberg).

4. Netherlands Institute for Fisheries Research (RIVO, Director: K.H. Postuma, P.O. Box 68, Haringkade 1, 1970 AB IJmuiden). There are 5 departments. 1. Freshwater Fishery Dept. (Chief: C.L. Deelder [eel], J. Willemsen [freshwater fish except eel]; 2. Saltwater Fishery Dept. (Chief: R. Boddeke); 3. Technical Fishery Dept. (Chief: E. J. de Boer): 4. Shellfish Dept. (Chief: A.C. Drinkwaard); 5. Chemical Dept. (Chief: Ms. M.A.T. Kerkhoff). The research done at this institute is closely connected with the governmental fishery policy and related problems.

5. Institute for Land and Water Management Research (I.C.W., Director: G.A. Oosterbaan, Marijkeweg 11, P.O. Box 35, 6700 AA Wageningen). Attention is paid to behavioral aspects of the sport fishermen in connection with land development projects/studies.

Other Government Agencies in the Field of Inland Fisheries or Engaged in Duties to Inland Fisheries

1. Chamber for the Inland Fisheries (Chairman: H.H.A.v. Zwieten, J.W. Frisolaan 3, 2517 JS The Hague). Each agreement concerning fishing rights needs the approval of this chamber.

2. Department of Fish Culture and Inland Fisheries of the Agricultural University. (Professor E.A. Huisman, Zodiac-building, Marijkeweg 40, P.O. Box 338, 6709 AH Wageningen). Part of the research done is coordinated with the Limnological Institute Tjeukemeer Laboratory. Other research is focused on fish reproduction, feeds and feeding, and farm pond management in connection with fish culture.

3. Limnological Institute Tjeukemeer Laboratory (Director: S. Parma, De Akkers 47, 8536 VD Oosterzee). Research is focused on dynamics and mutual dependence of fish stocks and its good organisms.

4. Delta Institute for Hydrobiological Research—Royal Academy of Sciences (Director: K.E. Duursma, Vierstraat 8, 4401 EA Yeseke). Research is focused on the ecological changings in the south western estuaries due to the delta works.

5. Research Institute for Nature Management (R.I.N.) (Director: A.J. Wiggers, Kemperbergerweg 67, 6816 RM Arnhem).

6. Ministry of Culture, Recreation and Social Work. Directorate-General of Nature Conservation, Recreational and Media (Director-General: J. Verhoeve, Steenvoordelaan 370, 2280 HK Rijswijk).

Semi-Government Organizations

1. Marketing Board for Fish and Fishery Products (Chairman:B.A. de Jonge, Javastraat 26, 2585 AM The Hague).

2. Board of Fisheries Industry (Chairman: H.A.H. Boelmans Kranenburg, Visserijhuis, P.O. Box 5016, 2508 AA The Hague).

3. Organization for Improvement of Inland Fisheries (OVB) (Director: A.H. Zumker, Buxtehudelaan 1, 3438 EA Nieuwegein): General Affairs (Chief: A.H. Zumker); Fish Culture Division (Chief: C.M. Bungenberg de Jong); Research Division (Chief: E.A. Huisman); Information and Service Division (Chief: F.H. Kolb).

4. Institute for Fishery Products (T.N.O.) (Director: J.J. Doesburg, P.O. Box 183, 1970 AB IJmuiden).

National Organizations of Sport and Professional Fishermen

1. Dutch Union of Associations of Sportfishermen (N.V.V.S.) (Chairman: J. Arentsen; Director: F.H. Beek, P.O. Box 288, 3800 AG Amersfoort).

2. Central Dutch Organization of Sportfishermen (N.C.H.V.) (Chairman: A. J. Sweep, Palestrinalaan 69, 4904 LB Oosterhout).

3. Association of Fishermen on Lake Ijssel and Adjacent Lakes (Chairman: C.H.v.d. Linde, Visserijhuis, P.O. Box 5016, 2508 AA The Hague).

4. Association of Freshwater Professional Fishermen (Chairman: J.H.H. de Vries, P.O. Box 5016, 2505 AA The Hague).

Annex 2: Licenses issued in the Netherlands between 1964 and 1978

POLISH RECREATIONAL FISHERIES

The fisheries of Poland, including the inland catch and culture fisheries, are regarded as important. The latter contribute a relatively small fraction to the diet of Polish people, but the demand for freshwater fish is rather high. Furthermore, the tradition originating from at least the Middle Ages of having freshwater fish on Christmas Eve, especially carp, makes carp production of social importance. This contributes to general appreciation of inland fisheries by most people. Also, since sport fishing in the Baltic Sea is difficult and hardly rewarding, the inland fisheries resources are considered indispensable by sport fishermen. An “environmental” approach of some new government agencies and societies adds to this appreciation. The press and TV touch on inland fishery and inland water pollution problems much more often than those related to marine environment. TV has more or less regular programs for anglers.

ROLE OF RECREATIONAL FISHERIES

Special studies on the economic aspects of sport fisheries in Poland are being currently made by the Inland Fisheries Institute in Olsztya in cooperation with the Polish Anglers Association. It is impossible to give any detailed values as yet. Nevertheless, an off-hand comparison may be informative. The monetary value of all landed fish (commercial catches of marine and inland fish) was ca 5,8×10⁹ slotys in 1977. The roughly assessed amount of money spent by registered anglers on sport fishing is 3,04 × 10⁹ slotys. Angling, synonymous to sport fishing in Poland, is regarded as a respected, but not at all “exclusive,” leisure time activity. It is common for an angler's catch to contribute to the family diet. Sport fishing is not discouraged by governmental agencies, and it is encouraged by the Polish Anglers Association (PAA), which is approved, under certain conditions, by governmental agencies responsible for fisheries. The sport fishing on lakes operated by state fish farms on a commercial scale requires an extra fee, but it constitutes a very small income for state farms.

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT

The Fishery Act of 1932 made practically all fisheries in natural inland waters of Poland state property, hence fishing rights are vested with the state. Exceptions are those waters that are surrounded by land of one proprietor. The latter concerns small lakes only, of negligible total area, although for the owners they can be of significant value. The parliament (in Polish SEJM) lays down laws. With respect to particular regulations based on these laws, the Minister of Agriculture formulates these and is responsible for their implementation. The Ministry of Agriculture lets fishing rights to corporate (legal) bodies like state farms, cooperatives, and the PAA. Individuals have practically disappeared from those having fishing rights for particular waters. Licensing of individuals for sport fishing is operated by the PAA under conditions of its rules and regulations which are approved by the Minister of Agriculture. A new Fishery Act is now under discussion in the parliament.

Administration of sea fisheries, including coastal waters, belongs to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Sailing, acting on the basis of another parliamentary law.

Operational management of inland fisheries is the responsibility of those corporate bodies that have fishing rights. Hence, the PAA manages the fisheries on waters let to them. There are no special organizations or agencies that could provide any services to recreational fisheries but the PAA.

Because navigation on the Baltic Sea is very much limited for small vessels, fishing for sport is practically nonexistant except for shore fishing. The private sector does not play any role in recreational fisheries. Angler involvement can be illustrated by the growing number of members of the PAA—over 700 000 by now. This constitutes roughly 30% of all people fishing with rod and line for pleasure and food, including those poaching.

Members of the PAA constitute approximately 2% of the country's population, but it is believed that all together 6% of the population fishes at least occasionally. Because of the number of members, the PAA plays a significant role in formulation of regulations regarding fisheries and water management. It is a fairly powerful organization, and is quite active also in matters of water pollution. The PAA is active in public relations with respect to the recreational value of sport fishing and of clean waters. It also runs some commercial fishing for the purpose of regulating stocks, and operates a number of hatcheries and ponds to rear fish for stocking in leased lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Thus the PAA is the sole organization responsible for sport fishing in Poland. Since a few years ago, the Inland Fisheries Institute in Olszyta has undertaken broad research projects on sport fishing in Poland carried out in cooperation with PAA.

DEFINITIONS

There are no legal definitions of commercial or sport fishermen, neither of game and food fish. The rules and regulations of the PAA define types and number of the gear to be legally used. They also define minimum size of capture for fishes, some sizes are larger than those defined by the Minister of Agriculture. There are also quotas for the daily angler catch. The common understanding would be that commercial fishermen are those who have legal income from fishing, while a sport fishermen fishes mainly for pleasure. There are no particular requirements to obtain a sport fishing licence, and the fees, (varying with the kind of angling and water bodies, e.g., shore fishing is cheaper than from boat, spinning requires an extra fee, fishing in trout streams requires a special licence, etc.) are rather inexpensive, roughly 5% of the expenses for fishing.

SWEDEN COUNTRY REVIEW

Curt Wendt

INTRODUCTION

The Swedes are an open air life-loving people. Through the so called ‘Right of Common Access’ we have ample opportunities to stay and roam in the countryside. It involves the right for everybody to trespass and temporarily stay on land belonging to others.

Even if fishing is not included in the ‘Right of Common Access,’ the Swedes' habits concerning outdoor life have also, of course, stimulated the interest for sport fishing.

For the people of today, living in our highly industrialized society, it is of vital importance to have free access to the recreational values in our woods and countryside and fishing waters. (Cit former Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries of Sweden, Mr. Svante Lundkvist, EIFAC/T 26, app B.)

Sportfishing is one of the most important forms of recreation in our country. Several investigations testify to its great extent and importance. Contemporarily the sport and commercial fishermen compete for the same resource, and often in the same water. These circumstances primarily refer to coastal and freshwater fishing.

Beside the sportfishing that is practised for recreational purposes, there is a not unimportant fishing which is pursued on leisure time but for acquisitive purposes and utilizing professional gear.

In my opinion the commercial fishermen's interests should be given priority. However, it is also important to promote sport fishing because of its recreational values. From this point of view, I think there are good prospects to solve the problems caused by these conflicting interests. On the other hand, there is no reason to support sport fishing pursued for acquisitive purposes. (Cit Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries of Sweden, Mr. Anders Dahlgren, in Parliamentary Bill 77/78:112.)

Sweden has for a long time enjoyed an abundance of fishing waters. In more than 2 500 km of coastal waters fishing is, to a large extent, free for Swedish citizens. The area of the lakes—about 100 000 lakes—totals about 40 000 km² and among them more than 2 000 areas are reserved for licenced fishing where the public is allowed to fish for a fee paid to the land owner. In the 5 largest lakes some areas are open to public use.

The main part of the licenced fishing water is privately owned but the government and the municipalities also grant public use of some areas.

A governmental commission has stated that fishing is one of the most extensive outdoor leisure time occupations in Sweden. Because of good natural conditions and tradition, household fishing formed the basis for this development. The sport fishing of today contains elements which could be assigned to this traditional household fishing as well as to a fishing practised more for sport and recreation.

The future development possibilities of Swedish sport fishing now depend on the governmental reaction to the commission's proposal. For further information see the background paper of Johansson and Norling, “Sportfishing in Sweden.”

SPORT FISHING AND THE FISHERY LAWS

Swedish law differentiates between private and public waters. According to current rules all waters are private which are within 300 m of the mainland shore, or within the same distance from an island measuring at least 100 m in length.

The only public fresh waters are to be found in the lakes Vänern, Vättern, Hjälmaren and Storsjön in the Province of Jämtland.

The Fishing Rights Act applies to Swedish territorial waters and to Swedish fishing zones.

In public waters every Swedish citizen is allowed to fish with hooks, rods and gill nets, with different exceptions in the various areas. A special permission from the county administration is required for fishing with pound nets and traps in public waters on the coast and in the five major lakes. In private waters only the land owner is allowed to fish (with certain exceptions). This rule applies to fresh water. As regards the sea coast there are many exemption clauses, varying from one place to another. The extreme case is the west coast where only the oyster fishery is reserved for the land owner.

Scandinavians are to some extent permitted to fish with rod and line in Swedish public waters along the coast without licence. Other foreigners can obtain such permission from the authorities. In private waters outsiders are granted fishing rights by buying fishing licences. As a rule the fishing licences are not valid for all kinds of fishing, but restricted to rod and line fishing.

To protect different kinds of species from over exploitation, mesh sizes, minimum sizes and closed seasons are the general tools. These are used in country-wide regulations by the National Board of Fisheries as well as by local authorities. The Swedish parliament founds laws and has the exclusive right to decide on allocation of fishing among different categories of fishermen. The National Board of Fisheries decides on commercial fishermen's licences (see the background paper of Johansson and Norling, “Sportfishing in Sweden”).

Private owners of fishing rights as well as the government and municipalities contribute to fishery conservation, building up service functions and performing surveillance and inspection.

ANGLER INVOLVEMENT

The Swedish Anglers' Association, the only nation-wide anglers organization in Sweden, has about 100 000 members. Sixty thousand of these are members in different sport fishing clubs.

Sweden is divided into 24 counties. In every county there is a regional body coordinating the work within and among the clubs and activating the non-club members.

From its start the Anglers' Association has informed anglers, not only its own members but also non-organized people and tourists from abroad, about legislation, fishing waters (a yearly publication of all licenced fishing). It has done a good job in managing its waters. Very often the clubs have their own youth sections. In this connexion it could be mentioned that sport-fishing lessons nowadays are quite common in schools, 2 hours a week in grade 7, 8 and 9, where the youngsters can make choices themselves among different things to study. Certain advice is given by the Anglers' Association in a small booklet.

One of the most important objects of the Association is to create a more social view of sport fishing. In this way the Association acts as a pressure group. Other very important aims are to stop the still increasing pollution. In Sweden, the acid rainfall has been a very serious environmental problem. A huge number of lakes, especially in the western part of Sweden, are now dead lakes, lakes where no fish can exist.

Also the building of hydro-electric power stations constitutes a great problem for the fishery. Only a few of the Swedish rivers are not used for hydro-electric production. Today the technicans also want to utilize the remaining rivers. Therefore the Association is very much interested in all kinds of socio-economic data concerning sport fishing and its “value.”

Together with Dr. I. Norling, the Swedish Anglers' Association was among the first to initiate socio-economic research on sport fishing in Sweden. It was necessary to get a shift “from fish to people.” After 10 years of work there now seems to be a real break; the politicians are set under pressure. A certain commission has set-up the future of sport fishing in Sweden (see the background paper of Johansson and Norling, “Sportfishing in Sweden”). The Association was represented in the commission. It is also represented on the governing board of the National Board of Fisheries.