Revised fishermen tax regulations in MV: Recent developments outlined

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the northernmost federal state in Germany, is set to provide significant funding for various angling projects following the expansion of the fisheries levy. The additional revenues, expected to amount to between 250,000 and 350,000 euros annually, will broaden the financial scope for funding fisheries projects in the state.

Dr. Till Backhaus, representing the Ministry of Agriculture in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, has been a strong advocate for the collection of angling tax from all guest anglers in the state. This year, the fisheries levy has been expanded to include all guest anglers, who will now be required to pay ten euros per year.

Over 217,000 euros will be provided to the State Anglers' Association for various projects. These include the "Fishing makes school" initiative, a barrier-free fishing pier at the Wockersee in Parchim, and the State Youth Day in Anklam. Additionally, up to 150,000 euros could be achieved from the fisheries levy this year alone, with potential projects to improve fisheries practice for people with disabilities and other initiatives such as fisheries-related research projects or improving ecological conditions at waters.

Approximately 50,000 euros will be allocated for the educational project "On a first-name basis with the fish" at the MV Wildlife Park in Güstrow. The state will also use the levy this year to fund aid projects for endangered and significant species such as eels, sea trout, Baltic herring, and salmon.

Funding for individual projects had been rejected due to insufficient budget in the past, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. However, with the increased revenues from the fisheries levy, the state can now offer additional support to the angling community.

The fisheries levy can be paid at local public authorities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern or online at the upper fisheries authority (erlaubnis.angeln-mv.de). Exemptions from the fisheries levy include children under 14 years of age, certain professional fisheries aid, and severely disabled and ill persons who are unable to pass a fisheries exam.

The justification for the fisheries levy expansion lies in the fact that other federal states have already introduced a levy for anglers who have paid a fisheries levy in their main residence state in the same calendar year. The expanded levy is poised to provide substantial benefits to the angling community in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, ensuring the continued growth and development of angling projects in the state.