Styrian Fisheries Act 2000.

The Styrian Fisheries Act 2000 governs the exclusive fishery rights within designated waters in Styria, including the right and duty to manage fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and lampreys sustainably. Fishery rights can be acquired and possessed under general private law principles, and owners must prove their rights to authorities. The Act defines natural and artificial fishing waters and regulates the responsible management of these waters, such as stocking with native or already naturalized species, prohibiting genetically modified aquatic animals, and ensuring no introduction of alien species from fish farming operations. Fishery supervision is mandatory, and fishery officers must be appointed and trained according to legal standards.
The Act requires possession of a valid fishing card or guest fishing card for engaging in fishing activities, with exemptions for minors accompanied by authorized fishermen. It specifies licensing, minimum catch sizes, closed seasons, permissible fishing methods, and detailed prohibitions on harmful practices like use of poisons, explosives, or illegal traps. Special regulations govern electrofishing, which is generally prohibited except for specific scientific, conservation, or emergency purposes, subject to permits. Further, the Act mandates reporting of water animal diseases and pollution and establishes rights regarding access to private lands for fishery purposes under defined conditions, balancing fishery rights with landowners' rights.
Administrative aspects include maintaining a fishery cadastre recording ownership and use rights, the roles and duties of fishery advisory bodies and local authorities, and penalties for violations ranging up to fines and confiscation of fishing equipment. The Act aligns with relevant EU regulations on aquaculture and habitat conservation and provides transitional provisions for amendments. The text consists of 30 Articles and one Appendix.