Fisheries management fees totalled EUR 10.7 million

This growth is due, among other things, to the fact that older fishers are now obliged to pay the fisheries management fee. In 2023, Parliament increased the age limit for those liable for payment by five years. 

However, the change in the age limit does not explain the growth in its entirety. For example,, more payments were made than ever before by people in the 25 and under group. In addition, payments by the 490-49 age group also reached a record high. The only group in which the number of payments has decreased for several years has been the 55-64 group. 

“Growth is obviously an excellent trend, but according to current estimates, another four million euros is needed for fisheries management, to ensure its foundation remains stable,” says Jaakko Haapakoski, Senior Specialist in Fisheries at Metsähallitus. 

The funds collected with fisheries management fees support the key objective of the Fishing Act to promote the natural lifecycle of fish. The funds are used to finance the yearly planning and implementation of sustainable use and management of fishing waters, fisheries controls and advisory services in the fisheries sector. For example, the basic funding of fisheries areas mainly consists of funds from fisheries management fees in different forms: general grants, promotion appropriations and ownership compensations. 

“By paying a fisheries management fee, fishers contribute concretely to safeguarding the future of fishing waters and fishing. Every payment promotes fisheries management, but it goes without saying that the annual fee has the greatest impact,” says Jaakko Haapakoski.

The fisheries management fee is a compulsory basic fee for anyone aged 18–69 who wishes to lure fish or trap fish or catch crayfish. The obligation to pay does not apply to those who achieved the exemption from payment when the old act was in place, i.e. these persons turned 65 by 31 December 2023. 

The holder of a fisheries management fee can fish with one rod and lure in almost all locations in Finland; in sea, lakes, ponds and rivers. A fisheries management fee can be purchased for one day, one week (seven days), or one calendar year. 

The number of one-day payments has doubled in the 2020s to more than 80,000 payments per year. The number of annual payments has just increased more moderately. 

The sale of fisheries management fees for 2027 will begin in the Metsähallitus Eräluvat.fi service on 30 November 2026. In 2027, the cost of the fisheries management fee will be 47 euros per calendar year, 16 euros for a period of seven days and 6 euros per day.

Further information:

Jaakko Haapakoski, Senior Specialist, Fisheries, Metsähallitus, +358 40 190 8717