Compensation for Damage Caused by Protected Animals in Fisheries and Aquaculture

The funding guideline of the State of Brandenburg for the "Compensation of Damage Caused by Protected Animals in Fisheries and Aquaculture" supports enterprises in inland fisheries and carp pond management in compensating for economic losses caused by protected species. Compensation is provided for feeding damage to cultivated carp stocks and damage caused by beavers to technical facilities as well as fish stocks. Eligible applicants are enterprises operating as their main or secondary occupation within the State of Brandenburg. A prerequisite for the grant is proof of appropriate preventive measures or a conclusive justification if their implementation is not possible or unreasonable. For aquaculture, pond-related documentation (e.g., pond logbook) must be available; for inland fisheries, an annual effort and catch documentation is required. Up to 100% of direct damages can be reimbursed; expert report costs are subsidized at 50%, up to a maximum of 500 euros.

Applications must be submitted in the prescribed form to the State Office for Rural Development, Agriculture and Land Consolidation (LELF): for feeding and catch damages by May 31 of the calendar year following the damage year, for beaver damages within three months after damage notification. The funding rate is based on the market value of damaged or killed fish as well as the loss of income in commercial fishing. Particular emphasis is placed on the completeness and comprehensibility of the damage documentation as well as compliance with the prevention requirements. The measure promotes the livelihood security of enterprises, strengthens the acceptance of species protection, and contributes to the sustainable management of natural resources in Brandenburg.