Fishing Act (379/2015).

This comprehensive Act on fisheries seeks to ensure ecologically, economically and socially sustainable management of fish resources in such a way as to secure a sustainable and diversified return on fish resources, the natural life cycle of fish stocks, and the diversity and protection of fish resources and other aquatic flora and fauna. It consists of 137 sections divided into 15 Chapters: General provisions (1); Fishing rights and special permits entitling to fishing (2); Fishery organisations and their duties (3); Planning the management of fish resources (4); Organisation of fishing (5); Steering and restriction of fishing (6); Migratory fish and securing the passage of fish (7); Stocking fish and other management of fishing waters (8); Promotion and financing of fishery (9); Commercial fishing (10); Fishery administration registers (11); Supervision and sanctions (12); Miscellaneous provisions (13); Appeal (14); Entry into force (15).
The Act defines in Chapter 2, among other things, private fishing rights and fishing rights of everyone. Other rights include regional permits to engage in commercial fishing. Fishing ships registered in a member state of the European Union have the right laid down by the European Union legislation concerning the Common Fisheries Policy to commercial fishing within Finland’s exclusive economic zone and territorial waters. If necessary for commercial fishing, Metsähallitus (a state enterprise that administers the state-owned land and water areas) may lease a salmon or trout fishing site in Finland’s exclusive economic zone or public water area at sea to commercial fishermen. Fishing permits and the right to fish in a public water area are decided upon by Metsähallitus, taking account of the national fish resources management plans. Chapter 2 also defines the right of a commercial fisherman to use State-owned land.
State fishery authorities are the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment. In addition, official fishery duties separately laid down in this Act are managed by Metsähallitus and Natural Resources Institute Finland and, with respect to the supervision of fishing, the authorities and fishing supervisors referred to in this Act. The Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment shall supervise and assist fisheries regions and generally be responsible for the fisheries administration by the State. The Act sets out rules for the establishment and administration of fisheries regions.
Chapter 4 concerns preparation and approval of national fisheries management plans. The approved national fish resource management plans shall be taken into account in the preparation of regional management plans and when enforcing and organising fishing in public water areas. Fishing shall be organised by a fishing-right holder in accordance with the management plan. Chapter 5 defines rights in waters used by more holders and state-owned waters and reconciliation of rights.
Chapter 6 concerns use of gear, protection of fish and endangered species, and restrictions placed in fishing. Chapter 10 provides rules on commercial fishing in marine waters. EU citizens may register as a commercial fisherman. Commercial fishermen are divided into groups I and II. Commercial fishermen shall have a catch reporting obligation and shall abide by first sale of catch from the sea and its restrictions as laid down in the legislation of the European Union and the national legislation implementing it.
Supervision under this Act shall be the responsibility of: The Police; The Finnish Border Guard; the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry; The Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment; Officials at Metsähallitu tasked with fishing matters; Approved fisheries supervisors according to § 103; The Customs Authority.