Compensation for Damage Caused by Protected Animals in Fisheries and Aquaculture

The program supports small and medium-sized enterprises in fisheries and aquaculture in Brandenburg by providing financial protection against damage caused by protected animals such as cormorants, grey herons, or beaver damage. The aim is to compensate for economic losses to cultured carp stocks and fishing areas in order to secure the existence and continuity of the enterprises while simultaneously strengthening acceptance of species protection within the sector. Up to 100% of directly proven grazing and fishery damages are reimbursed, and expert report costs can be subsidized up to 50% (max. €500). A prerequisite is proof of appropriate preventive measures, pond-related documentation (e.g., pond logbook), as well as annual records of fishing effort and catches. Excluded are, among others, angling ponds, ornamental carp holdings, and ponds with incompletely harvested stocks.

Applications for grazing and fishery damages must be submitted by May 31 of the calendar year following the damage year, and for beaver damage within three months of notification. The project period is up to 24 months, with funding rates ranging between 50% and 100%. Value-added tax is not eligible for funding. Application forms for grazing and beaver damages as well as the notification form are available from the State Office for Rural Development, Agriculture and Land Consolidation (LELF). Approval is granted by official notice and depends on the availability of budgetary funds. With this funding, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Environment and Consumer Protection (MLEUV) makes a forward-looking contribution to the protection of natural fish stocks and the stabilization of regional aquaculture enterprises.