Exceptional permits under the Fishing Act
- Permit or other obligation
- Nationwide except the Åland Islands
- Public service
The Economic Development Centre may, for a justified reason, grant an exceptional permit for:
- the use or storage of a prohibited way of fishing, fishing method or fishing gear
- fishing during a prohibited period
- taking a catch exceeding the permitted amount
- using a greater number of fishing gear than permitted
- catching and taking a fish ordered to be released
- fishing in a fishing prohib ...
Do the following
Complete the printable form or prepare a free-form application.
Submit the form to the Economic Development Centre as an attachment to the general service form. The form can also be submitted by post, by email, or in person.
To whom and on what terms
An exceptional permit may be granted for translocation stocking, fish farming activities, research work, maintaining fishing traditions, the implementation or utilisation of fisheries obligations, or for another purpose related to the use and management of fish resources.
A permit shall not be granted if it would jeopardise the purpose of a restriction laid down in or pursuant to the Fishing Act, or the achievement of the objectives of the fisheries region’s use and management plan.
A temporary exceptional permit concerning provisions on migratory fish waters may be granted if it is necessary to safeguard the general fisheries interest or for another special reason, and if it does not endanger the passage of fish in the watercourse or the implementation of the use and management plan.
Processing time
The permit application is processed within 6 to 8 weeks after it has been received. A decisions usually involves a request for a statement or a public notice, which takes time.
Period of validity
The licence will be valid for a maximum of five years.
Background information
Government Decree on the Fees of the Economic Development Centres and the Employment, Development and Administration Centre in 2026 (1178/2025)