Note: This service (808) covers service 578 ("Wildlife Law") but here we will focus exclusively on commercial fishing, aquaculture, and maritime fishing licenses.
Fishing rights and permits regulate commercial activities in Georgian waters. The Black Sea coastline and inland water bodies (lakes, reservoirs) are significant fishing resources. Commercial fishing (e.g., anchovy fishing) requires a license issued via auction, which sets quotas. Concurrently, aquaculture (artificial fish farming) is developing rapidly. The new "Law on Aquaculture" regulates the establishment of marine and freshwater farms. Legal services in this area include obtaining licenses, aquaculture permits, vessel registration, and appealing fines imposed for violating fishing rules.
What Does Fishing Rights Service Cover?
Our lawyers offer full support in the fishing business:
- Fishing License: Obtaining a license for anchovy or other species extraction in the Black Sea via auction.
- Aquaculture Permit: Permit for placing fish cages (mariculture) in the sea or lakes and water usage rights.
- Seiner Registration: Registering fishing vessels and ensuring legal compliance for technical inspection (class).
- Quota Management: Allocation and transfer of fishing quotas to other companies.
- Export Certificates: Obtaining veterinary certificates (Catch Certificate) required for exporting fish products to the EU.
- Administrative Disputes: Defense against charges of illegal fishing, use of prohibited nets, or zone violations.
Common Scenarios and Needs
Fishermen often violate license conditions by catching more fish than allowed by quota or entering prohibited zones. This leads to license suspension and vessel confiscation. Aquaculture farmers face issues with water usage and waste management (fish waste) regulations.
Georgian Legislation and Regulations
The field is regulated by the "Law on Licenses and Permits", the "Law on Aquaculture", and the Government Decree "On the Rule of Issuing Fishing Licenses." Control is exercised by the Department of Environmental Supervision.
The Process: How a Specialist Works
When obtaining a license, the lawyer prepares tender documentation. For aquaculture, a project including Environmental Impact Assessment is prepared. When appealing a fine, the lawyer checks the vessel's GPS data and the correctness of the protocol.
Why Legal.ge?
Fishing is a specific and highly regulated business. Legal.ge gives you access to lawyers with experience in maritime and environmental law. Specialists on our platform will help you build a profitable and legal fishing business. Fishing by the rules with Legal.ge.
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