Fishing in Potsdam: Dispute over environmental protection and fish stocks flares up!

Fishing in Potsdam: Dispute over environmental protection and fish stocks flares up!

More and more people are drawn to fishing on the Altefahrt in Potsdam. Up to 50 anglers regularly cavort there, which, however, also provokes the anger of animal rights activists. The rubbish left behind on the banks is particularly causing a stir. Strings and hooks pose an acute danger to waterfowl, and critical voices are becoming louder. However, the Brandenburg/Potsdam City Anglers Association, represented by spokesman Daniel Müller, emphasizes that the Havel will soon flourish thanks to numerous nutrients: “The fish population is increasing, and we anglers are actively helping to regulate this decline,” explains Müller. Fishing is seen as a kind of “refresh cell treatment for the Havel”, which is also intended to relieve the burden on professional fishermen.

The legal framework for fishing is clear. Fish stocks in Germany are subject to strict regulations at federal and state levels to ensure sustainability. Federal law regulates all aspects of fishing, while states can issue their own regulations. Every angler needs a fishing license in order to fish legally. This license is mandatory for fishing for predatory fish; For coarse fish, a fishing license and payment of the fishing tax are sufficient. This is important to ensure that no one goes to the water without the appropriate permit and puts the local stocks under pressure, continues angelfieber.com.

Rules and responsibilities

In order to protect the fish population, there are clear catch quotas and minimum sizes for fish caught. In addition, caught fish have to be stunned and then killed, which is also viewed critically by animal rights activists. This is where the interests of anglers and animal rights activists collide: While anglers adhere to the regulations and some even actively contribute to the conservation of endangered species such as eel, salmon and sea trout, animal rights activists fundamentally reject the killing of fish.

The public order office carries out routine inspections on the Altefahrt, during which no complaints were found, apart from two anglers with incomplete fishing licenses on a single weekend. These regular checks are necessary to ensure compliance with fishing legislation. According to the current Fisheries Act Anglers are also obliged not to leave any leftover food or animal blood on the bank, which puts additional pressure on natural resources.

Ecological responsibility and challenges

Fish stocks in Germany are at great risk due to intensive living conditions such as overfishing, climate change and water pollution. The legal regulations aim to counteract these challenges and protect the aquatic environment. Insured organizations such as WWF Germany and the German Fisheries Association work together to combat these problems and secure biodiversity. The importance of close cooperation between anglers and environmentalists is repeatedly emphasized to ensure sustainable use of waters.

Finally, it should be noted that fishing on the Altefahrt is not only a leisure activity for many Potsdam residents, but also brings with it a responsibility. The balance between the different interests requires both understanding and commitment to the environment and legal requirements.