Over 230 thousand fishing enthusiasts in Bulgaria will pay twice as expensive a fishing ticket as this year. If last season the price was 25 leva, now it reaches 25 euros and 60 cents, bTV reported.
According to Bozhan Bozhanov, director of the Executive Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture, the change is not sudden. “The recreational fishing ticket and all fees related to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act were increased in August 2025. At the end of the year, with the introduction of the euro, the tariff was converted into euros.“ He emphasized that the price has not been changed for nearly two decades. “This fee for issuing a recreational fishing ticket has not been changed from 2006 to the present.“
He added that over such a long period of time, changes have occurred in the country's macroeconomic indicators and in the costs required to provide the service.
To concerns that the double price increase could lead to a decline or more poaching, Bozanov replied: “It should not, because when a change is made to a certain tariff, it goes through a public discussion in advance.“ According to him, the sector has been informed. “During the public discussion, discussions were held with fishing organizations.“ He added “Responsible fishermen accept the idea that in order to receive a quality service, it has a certain price.“
One of the main questions remains how the funds will be used. Bozanov specified that the money that comes from the fees does not go to the agency's account. It goes to the state budget. Then the funds are distributed back. “The state budget subsequently ensures the functioning of the executive branch, which monitors the proper implementation of the laws.“
According to the agency representative, some of the funds will lead to better control. “With these funds, we will be able to increase control and improve it,” says Bozanov. He also listed specific measures: “We are participating in programs for the purchase of boats, drones, motor vehicles, and computer systems for reporting fishing are being introduced.“ In addition to control, some of the money will also go to maintaining the reservoirs. “Part of the funds - 5% - go to stocking.“ And he emphasized the relationship between price and resource: “The higher the price, the greater the resource for stocking.“
Bozhanov emphasized the key problem in the sector: “If illegal fishing is not controlled and if stocking is not carried out, the reservoirs will eventually be depleted.“