Kalastusvirasto

Kalastusvirasto, or the Finnish Fisheries Administration, is the national authority responsible for managing and promoting sustainable fisheries in Finland. Established in 1992, it operates under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and serves as the central administrative agency for fisheries policy and legislation in the country.

The primary functions of Kalastusvirasto include regulating fishing activities, ensuring compliance with national and international fisheries laws, and promoting sustainable fishing practices. It oversees both freshwater and marine fisheries, managing quotas, licensing, and enforcement to protect fish stocks and ecosystems. The agency also conducts research and monitoring to assess fish populations, habitat conditions, and the impacts of climate change on fisheries.

Kalastusvirasto plays a key role in international cooperation, participating in regional fisheries management organizations such as the Baltic Sea Fisheries Commission (BSFC) and the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). It collaborates with other EU member states to implement common fisheries policies and address shared challenges like overfishing and bycatch reduction.

In addition to regulatory duties, the agency promotes recreational fishing through education, licensing systems, and public awareness campaigns. It also supports rural development by fostering sustainable fishing industries and providing guidance to fish farmers and processors.

Kalastusvirasto’s headquarters are located in Helsinki, with regional offices across Finland to facilitate local oversight and community engagement. The organization works closely with indigenous Sámi communities, whose traditional fishing rights are recognized and protected under Finnish law. Through its activities, Kalastusvirasto aims to balance economic, social, and environmental interests in fisheries management.