Restricting fishing and deciding on catch sizes
- Permit or other obligation
- Nationwide except the Åland Islands
- Public service
The Economic Development Centre may, on an application:
- prohibit fishing with a certain fishing gear or way of fishing or restrict it
- prohibit fishing during a certain time or restrict it
- restrict the number of fishing gear used
- prohibit taking a catch larger than a certain amount
- prohibit the catching of fish of a certain gender or size class or catching fish not marked in accordance w ...
Do the following
Complete the printable application form for the restriction of fishing or for exceptions to catch sizes.
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
A fishing prohibition may be imposed in a water area if there is a fish species or stock whose viability or yield has decreased or is at risk of decreasing, or if the water area is important for the reproduction of a fish species or stock.
The restrictions and prohibitions imposed may be differentiated for fishermen belonging to different commercial groups.
The restrictions and prohibitions may not limit the exercise of fishing rights more than necessary to achieve the objective of the restriction or prohibition.
To take special regional circumstances into account, the Economic Development Centre may, upon application by a fishing right holder or a fisheries region, or on its own initiative, set catch sizes differing from those established for specific species or stocks if the status of the fish species or stock in the area differs significantly from the basis used for setting the catch sizes. The Economic Development Centre may not, however, deviate more than 20% from the established minimum catch sizes.
Processing time
The processing time of the application is usually 6 to 8 weeks. A decision usually involves a request for a statement or a public notice, which takes time.
Period of validity
Up to 10 years.
Background information
Government Decree on the Fees of the Economic Development Centres and the Employment, Development and Administration Centre in 2026 (1178/2025)