The Government has submitted to Parliament a draft Law on Freshwater Fisheries, aimed at regulating the use, protection, and management of freshwater fish stocks, in full alignment with European Union legislation. The law is proposed for adoption under an urgent procedure due to Montenegro’s obligations in the EU integration process.
The legislation seeks to preserve fish stocks, regulate fishing gear, and more effectively combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. It establishes a framework for the improved management of freshwater fisheries, defining fishing waters and zones, conditions for granting fishing rights, conservation measures, fishing activities, the marketing of fish products, and the powers of fisheries guards and inspectors.
A strong emphasis is placed on developing management plans for specific fish species to support stock recovery, as well as on creating a comprehensive data-collection system, including catch landing obligations. The draft law largely transposes relevant EU regulations, including fisheries control rules and measures to restore European eel stocks.
The law introduces strict restrictions on eel fishing, including closed seasons, a ban on recreational fishing, and mandatory authorisation and product traceability. It also regulates licensing for commercial and recreational fishing, restocking, protection of fish passages, fishing bans, minimum catch sizes, and the marketing of fish and other aquatic organisms.
Penalties range from €2,000–€20,000 for legal entities, €1,000–€6,000 for entrepreneurs, and €500–€2,000 for individuals. Penalties are doubled in protected natural areas, and a mandatory one-year ban on fishing is imposed in addition to fines.
According to the Government, adopting the law would provide Montenegro with a modern and comprehensive legal framework to better protect freshwater ecosystems, ensure sustainable use of natural resources, and strengthen oversight of fishing activities.
