Improved compliance with fish stocking regulations – reporting and monitoring are a common interest

(Photo: Nébih)

A key task of the Nébih ÁHSZ is to monitor the regularity of fish stocking and the traceability of fish intended for stock replenishment. The effectiveness of the work of the county fish management specialists and the inspections of the ÁHSZ is proven by the fact that the willingness to report has increased when comparing the reported carp stocking of the I-III summer age groups. The number of stocking increases year by year, while the exceeding of the 3-day prior notification obligation specified in the law is significantly decreasing. It can be said that the majority of those entitled to fish management operate legally and comply with their data provision obligation. In 2025, 5090 stockings were reported to fish management authorities. During the on-site inspections, in addition to the quality control of the stock intended for stocking, a quantitative inspection is also carried out. A total of 69 inspections were carried out last year.

However, based on the experience of the inspections, several recurring irregularities justify increased caution

It often happens that those entitled to fish management do not report their stocking intentions in accordance with the legal requirements. Therefore, the stocking does not take place within the declared time interval or at the specified location. Recurrent violations of the law also include stocking fish without a fish management authorization or an approved fish management plan, stocking alien or invasive fish species, and the lack of an aquatic animal health certificate accompanying fish shipments. The legislation clearly states that a qualified aquatic animal health officer is obliged to inspect the fish shipment from an animal health perspective before transport and to issue the certificate properly. However, according to inspection experience, it still happens that shipments are not accompanied by appropriate documentation, and the use of pre-issued, blank certificates also appears to be an irregular practice.

It is important to emphasize that although there is currently no aggressively spreading infectious disease in the sector, irregular practices increase the risk of a possible epidemic

Compliance with the regulations is essential for prevention and effective epidemic management. The native fish population of our natural waters is a national treasure, and the preservation and sustainable utilization of their habitat is our common interest and task! The Nébih ÁHSZ therefore requests that in case of problems related to the quantity and quality of fish stocking, they be reported immediately to the e-mail address allamihalor@nebih.gov.hu. The reports greatly assist the authority in its targeted and efficient work. The MAHOP and MAHOP+ tenders provided the authority with the fish transport tank, the certified scale and other measuring equipment for the on-site inspection of the stocking.

Nébih