Marin Kesler, a scientist from the University of Tartu, stresses that restricting fishing during spawning season is imperative to retaining the local salmon population. "Salmon are endangered not only in Estonia, but around the world. More than a half of the world's salmon population has been destroyed. It's important to protect our salmon during their spawning season, so that their population can freely grow. Fishing during spawning season will have a negative effect on future fish population size," says Kesler.
The Environmental Board will thoroughly patrol protected rivers in order to keep illegal fishing from disrupting the ongoing spawning season. "Volunteer fish protectors and our colleagues from other departments of the Environmental Board will help us monitor the rivers," says the head inspector of the Environmental Board's wildlife and fishing monitoring development center, Aare Pai. "Volunteer helpers are the extra eyes and ears every inspector needs. They help us immensely," says Pai.
Everyone can play a part in protecting our salmon. If you notice any suspicious activity on the shores of protected rivers from the beginning of December, notify the State Helpline at 1247.
Fishing restrictions are in force on most rivers from the 1st of September until the 30th of November, and different restrictions apply to different rivers. For example, fishing is completely forbidden on Vasalemma river, whereas in Pärnu river, fishing for fish other than salmon is still allowed. Salmon fishing is allowed on Narva and Jägala rivers, however any fishermen there need to own a valid fishing licence. Further information concerning fishing restrictions on different bodies of water can be found on the fishing restriction web app.
Several proceedings have already been enacted as a result of the heightened inspections. "Last week, in the early hours of the evening, an individual was caught fishing on Valgejõe, where fishing is strictly prohibited. Misdemeanor proceedings have been charged against them. In addition to a fine, they will most likely have to reimburse the damages they have caused the environment," explains the head inspector.
If you are caught catching salmon illegally, you can be fined up to 1200 euros. In addition to the fine, any environmental damages caused by fishing salmon must also be reimbursed. These environmental damages will be five times as expensive if committed during fishing bans, in a protected body of water or if the fish caught are under regulation size: up to 480 euros per salmon caught and 150 euros per trout. If the fishing method is particularl dangerous and environmentally harmful – such as with the use of electricity, poison or explosives – the environmental damages fine will be ten times the original sum.
Tabel: Fishing restrictions during spawning season on salmon rivers
