Antrag auf Benutzung eines Elektrofischereigerätes beantragen

If you want to catch fish in the waters of Lower Saxony using electric current, this is generally prohibited. Exemptions are available for certain purposes.

Electrofishing is a fishing method that is prohibited in principle. Upon request and under certain formal conditions, the Fisheries Service may grant exceptions to this prohibition on a case-by-case basis if this is necessary for the sustainable management of the waters or for scientific studies. Information on the formal requirements can be found in the Inland Fisheries Regulations.

• Application (written)
• Proof of successful participation in a course for electrofishing in the Federal Republic of Germany (operating license) or proof recognized by the Bremerhaven State Fisheries Office
• Proof of the suitability of the device to be used by means of a test certificate from the TÜV
• Proof of sufficient liability insurance (500,000 EURO for personal injury, 50,000 EURO for property damage)

• Explanation of the purpose and necessity of electrofishing in the application
• Electrofishermen must have an operating licence
• Electrofishing gear must be suitable
• Sufficient liability insurance must be in place

The following applies to inland waters:

• You submit a written application for the use of electrofishing gear in inland waters. In it, you explain the purpose of electrofishing and provide information on the water, the time or period of the fishing, the names of the designated electofishers and the electrofishing gear intended for use (manufacturer, type of vessel, vessel number).
• The Fisheries Service examines the application to determine whether the authorisation of an exemption is technically necessary and whether the formal requirements for granting a licence are met. You may be asked to provide additional information as part of the audit.
• If your application is not considered to be eligible for approval, the Fisheries Service will recommend that you withdraw the application so that it does not have to be rejected for you at a cost.

The following applies to coastal waters:

• They apply in writing for permission to catch fish in coastal waters using electricity. In doing so, you name the purpose and attach the required documents.

• The Bremerhaven State Fisheries Office will check your application for completeness and whether the technical requirements for an exemption are met.

At the end of the examination, you will receive a notification of approval or rejection. This decision may be subject to a fee.

Approval is subject to conditions that you are obliged to comply with (e.g. reporting obligation).

If all documents and information are available at the time of application, a maximum processing time of 4 weeks can be assumed. As a rule, however, the notification will be sent within 2 weeks.

• Permit for the use of electrofishing gear in inland and coastal waters of Lower Saxony
• Generally prohibited fishing method
• Under certain conditions, you can obtain an exemption if necessary for sustainable management or for scientific research
• Formal requirements
  • Operating licence for electrofishing equipment
  • TÜV test report on the suitability of the electrofishing gear
  • Exemption according to §7 NKüFischO (e.g. for research purposes)
  • Adequate liability insurance
• Request in writing
• Responsible: Fisheries Service (LAVES, Department 34 Inland Fisheries) or Bremerhaven State Fisheries Office

Inland waters: Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES) – Department of Inland Fisheries, Fisheries Science Service

Coastal waters: Bremerhaven State Fisheries Office

Forms available: Yes

Written form required: Yes

Personal appearance required: No