Why do recreational fi shers fail topay for their licences?

According to previous surveys of recreational fi shing, general failure to pay the Fisheries Management Fee has been noticed. Less than half of all recreational fishers who were obligated topay the fee actually paid it, and that, for one, has increased the need for the reform of the fundingsystem of fishing.

This report highlights the barriers that recreational fishers experience in paying fishing fees. The Fishing Finland survey, which monitored recreational fishing in 2009, is used as evidence. In this survey, information relating to the reasons for not paying the Fisheries Management Fee and other fi shing fees was collected through the use of a range of questions.

Lack of information on sales outlets and the range of fishing licenses available, along with the way the funds from the fisheries management fee are reallocated, were considered the most significant barriers against paying fishing fees. In addition, reasons such as fishing areas being too remote or in poor condition, simply forgetting to buy the licence and not having an Internet connection were given as other reasons for not paying the fishing fees.

The barriers to paying fishing fees were examined by way of variables describing recreational fishers’ fishing activity, fishing methods and licence form, and socioeconomic background. Differences in attitudes towards the barriers to paying for licences were identified between the groups. Amongst other things, whether the respondent lived in the city or in the countryside, or in a coastal or an inland area had a bearing on the responses provided. Moreover, differences in household structure had bearing on the barriers to paying for licences.

The majority of those who failed to pay their fishing fees were recreational fishers who fished occasionally or rarely. Failure to pay is often connected with how the individual regards the reasonableness and fairness of the system. Additionally, understanding the overlapping areas that licences cover and acting within the limits they allow calls for some familiarity with the subject. In particular, confusion over the system experienced by occasional recreational fishers, ambiguity concerning the boundaries of fishing waters and the large number of licences signal the need to develop the licence and funding system and information regarding fishing.There is also a need to develop the flow of information, including that between the owners of fishing waters and recreational fishers.  In the future, the Internet will play a key role in sharing information concerning fishing licences and the funding system of fishing.