Inland fishing Mecklenburg Lake District FLAG

The FLAG area comprises a large part of the rural and sparsely populated Mecklenburg Lake District, which is characterised by vast interlinked inland waterways, many of which are protected areas.

The fishing activities in the Mecklenburg Lakes follow a longstanding tradition and play an important economic and historical role in the area. In addition to larger companies on the Müritz Lake such as Müritzfischer, there are fifteen smaller enterprises whose future survival depends on the diversification of their product range and outputs. However, the fishing sector workforce is in decline due to unattractive working conditions, the rising costs of consumables and equipment and growing legal regulations, which make fisheries work difficult. Fishing and angling associations also play an important role in keeping and maintaining the lakes, ponds and fish stocks.

The main challenges for the FLAG are:

• Improving the competitiveness and economic performance of inland fisheries. For example, product extensions, diversification measures and the development and modernisation of fishing yards, boats and machinery. 
• The preservation of the area’s natural environment. This includes the enhancement of biodiversity and ecosystem services, the protection, management and restoration of fishing stocks and the monitoring of the area’s Natura 2000 sites.
• Job creation and the development of young talent. This includes the development of vocational training and education programs, the preservation of existing jobs and the creation of new ones, diversification measures and developing the attractiveness of the profession for women.