BALTIC SEA FISHING ETHICAL CODE

Respect fish, humans and nature.

This ethical code is divided into the principles and values of the fishing tourism businesses and associated partners within the Baltic Sea Fishing cooperation, and the ethical guidelines for ALL fishing performed under this label.

We give back to Baltic Sea fish populations

We depend on natural resources; therefore, we give back using earmarked funds derived from fishing tourism to local coastal fish conservation measures – primarily to strengthen seatrout populations.

We ensure safe fishing experiences

When fishing from boats, we are licenced to take tourists onboard. These requirements depend on national legislation but in many cases, we hold licences with more strict requirements. We make sure to have all the needed insurances, however, as no insurance covers all contingencies, personal accident insurances are required for all customers.

We act as sportfishing ambassadors

We make sure to convey knowledge about sustain-able sportfishing and positive effects of angling; use specific and modern equipment and methodologies intended for fishing respective target fishes; practice good seamanship; and take pride in knowing the environment and how to protect it.

We aim to reduce our environmental impact

We maintain our vehicles and vessels in good condition and take responsibility for our own individual environmental footprint; aim to move to newer, lower emission vehicles and outboards when possible.

We provide high quality services

We make sure to understand the needs and ambitions of our customers and strive to realize them; are aware of our role as fishing guides, when to teach and when to guide; are in the forefront of angling skills and know the best local fishing spots. We use free time to find new productive areas, which will develop us as guides and increase our reputation among our customers.

We aim to improve knowledge about our fish stocks

We participate in scientific surveys in our respective destinations and follow reporting requirements; keep log book over catches, including unusual, spectacular catches and findings of non-indigenous species.

ETHICAL GUIDELINES

We adhere to local and current sportfishing rules and regulation: Such as minimum (and in cases maximum) landing fish sizes; only use allowed fishing gears and methodologies; respecting permanent and seasonal protected areas and nature reserves and/or species. All in accordance to the national rules.

We practice and promote Catch & Release: We only use active fishing methods which makes Catch & Release practice possible and handle catches with care and with minimum time out of the water. To minimize negative impact on caught fish, at all fishing occasions the best available technique is used and following equipment shall be at hand: knotless seine, specifically designed plier(s), special designed fishing measure mat and weight sling. Catch & release fishing is illustrated in the film from the CATCH project:

We respect the Bag-limits: Maximum catches of following fish species to keep per person per day, on the condition that the fish are within the minimum and maximum size limits:
Perch – 5, Pike – 1, Zander (Pike-perch) – 1, Sea trout– 1, Salmon – 1
Kill fish immediately when kept and remember that the largest fishes and always release “mega-spawners” – the largest individuals which are most important for fish reproduction.

We manoeuvre with caution: We do not want to disturb reproducing fish. When using a boat, operate it in a way that is safe for the customer and with considerations for wildlife and nature; exercise caution in sensitive breeding areas for fish and sea birds when using the main engine regarding swell and contact with sea bed; in areas too shallow for the main engine, an electric engine should be used.

BALTIC SEA FISHING ETHICAL CODE

Respect fish, humans and nature.

ETHICAL GUIDELINES

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