Recreational fishing in Romania offers unique experiences, from impressive catches on the calm waters of lakes or in the Danube Delta to challenging fishing trips on the waves of the Black Sea. To fully enjoy these opportunities, it is essential to understand the process of obtaining a fishing license.

This guide will show you the steps you need to take to obtain a fishing license for different areas of the country.

  • What is a fishing permit and why you need it
  • Types of fishing permits available in Romania
  • How to get a fishing license online for free
  • How to get a fishing license for the Danube Delta
  • How to get a sport fishing license on the Danube
  • How to get a Black Sea fishing license
  • Costs associated with fishing permits
  • Rules and regulations for fishing in Romania
  • Renewing and recovering your free fishing permit

What is a fishing permit and why you need it

The fishing license is an official, nominal and non-transferable document, which attests the right of a person to practice recreational fishing legally in Romania. This fishing permit is issued by the National Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture (ANPA) and is mandatory for anyone wishing to fish in natural fish habitats.

Obtaining a fishing license is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it regulates recreational fishing and contributes to the conservation of fish stocks. The permit also makes it easier to monitor the number of anglers and the catches taken, which helps the sustainable management of aquatic resources.

It also ensures that fishermen are properly informed and comply with the legislation in force. In addition, the revenue generated from fishing fees helps finance programs to protect and repopulate waters.

There are different types of sport fishing license, adapted to specific fishing areas, including the Danube Delta.

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Types of fishing permits available in Romania

In Romania, anglers have several types of recreational fishing licenses available, depending on the area and type of water where they want to fish. Understanding these options is crucial to choosing the right permit, especially if you plan to visit unique locations like Dolphin Camping.

  • license for the Danube and uncontracted natural fish habitats – issued free of charge by ANPA, it covers fishing on the Danube, its branches and in waters not contracted by associations;
  • Black Sea license – also free of charge and issued by ANPA, it is required for recreational fishing in the Black Sea;
  • Danube Delta permit – issued by the Administration of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (ARBDD), this fishing permit is indispensable for fishing inside the reserve.

How to get a fishing license online for free

Getting a free online fishing license in Romania is a simple process that can give you memorable fishing experiences. Here are the steps to follow:

  • visit the official ANPA website (www.anpa.ro);
  • choose the “Recreational Fishing Permit Application” option;
  • select the type of permit you want;
  • fill in the online form with your personal data;
  • answer the questions on fisheries legislation correctly;
  • create an account on the ANPA platform;
  • download the generated fishing license in PDF format.

How to get a fishing license for the Danube Delta

pescar in Delta Dunarii

Fishing permits in the Danube Delta are divided into several categories, depending on the purpose of fishing.

  • Recreational fishing license, issued to persons who do not intend to sell their catch. These permits are issued for an annual period and are valid only in certain designated areas.
  • A commercial fishing license for those who fish for the purpose of selling the fish caught. It involves stricter controls and requires compliance with strict conditions on the types of gear used and the species caught.
  • Permit for fishing in protected areas, issued for special areas in the Danube Delta, where fishing is more strictly regulated and permits are issued on the basis of special applications, respecting the restrictions imposed by the Administration of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (ARBDD).

The fishing license can be obtained at the ARBDD offices or online, by filling in a specific application form and paying the corresponding fee. Once issued, the permit contains essential information such as the type of permit, the period of validity, the areas in which you can fish and the permitted gear. It is important to note that the free permits are only valid in certain areas of the Danube Delta, which are clearly delimited and designated by the competent authorities.

While fishing, the control authorities may ask to check your fishing license. It is therefore necessary to carry the license issued by the ARBDD, as well as the documents proving payment of the fee, where applicable. If you do not have the permit or if you do not comply with the regulations, the risk of being fined or even having your permit withdrawn is quite high.

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How to get a sport fishing license on the Danube

Before you apply for a fishing license, it is essential to find out about the regulations in force for fishing on the Danube. These can vary depending on the specific areas of the river, the closed periods, the types of species that can be fished and the permitted equipment. The regulations are set by national and local authorities such as the National Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture (ANPA) and are updated regularly.

The fishing permit can be obtained either directly from authorized agencies (e.g. ANPA or territorial offices) or through official online platforms. Once the formalities have been completed, the permit will be issued and will contain essential information such as the area where fishing is permitted, the period of validity and the type of fishing authorized.

Obtaining the permit also includes the obligation to comply with regulations on environmental protection and sustainable management of aquatic resources. Fishermen are obliged to respect catch limits, closed seasons and closed areas. Failure to comply with these rules can result in sanctions, including the withdrawal of licenses and fines.

How to get a Black Sea fishing license

pescar cu baarca pe Delta Dunarii

As the Black Sea is a vulnerable environment with protected species of fish and other aquatic life, fishing is strictly regulated and obtaining a license is essential to legally fish.

To obtain a Black Sea fishing license, you’ll need a few essential documents, including a valid identity document (ID card or passport), proof of payment of the fishing fee and, in some cases, a medical certificate stating that you are fit for fishing. The license fee may vary depending on the type of license desired and the area where fishing will take place. These fees can be paid online or at authorized fishing agencies.

Permits can be obtained from competent authorities, such as ANPA, or local offices, and the process involves paying the appropriate fee and completing an application. In some cases, the permit may be issued for an annual period and the conditions of validity will be clearly stated on the document. It’s important to know that Black Sea fishing permits are only valid in certain areas set by the authorities, and fishermen are obliged to respect these delimitations.

Fishermen must know and apply the rules on closed seasons, catch limits and closed areas. It is also forbidden to use unauthorized gear such as fine nets or other equipment that may harm the marine ecosystem.

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Costs associated with fishing permits

The costs associated with obtaining fishing permits vary significantly depending on the type of permit applied for, the fishing area and the length of validity. In Romania, fishing permits are regulated by the National Authority for Fisheries and Aquaculture (ANPA) and the fees can differ depending on the purpose of the fishery (recreational or commercial) and the area where the activity is carried out.

The free fishing permit, available in certain cases or areas, was introduced to facilitate access to recreational fishing and to cut red tape by offering the possibility to obtain the permit quickly, directly on the internet.

Free online permits are usually only available for fishing in certain locations or for certain times of the year and are only valid for recreational purposes and for limited catches. In general, this type of permit can be obtained from the official websites of the competent authorities, such as ANPA or the Administration of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, and can be used for fishing in designated areas at no extra cost.

Although it’s free, the online license requires strict compliance with fishing regulations, such as catch limits and protected areas.

For areas other than those where you can fish with a free license, the fee for an annual recreational fishing license can vary between 50 and 100 lei. This permit is valid for one year and allows access to authorized recreational fishing areas.

There are also permits for shorter periods, such as day or month permits, which are much cheaper. For example, a one-day fishing permit can cost around 20-30 lei, while a one-month fishing permit can cost 40-50 lei.

Fishing in certain areas of the Danube Delta involves special fees. Recreational fishing permits for the Danube Delta can cost between 60 and 100 lei per year.

The cost of fishing equipment (rods, nets, fishing boats) can be significant. For example, an average-quality fishing rod can cost between 150 and 400 lei, while special fishing nets can cost 300-600 lei.

In some protected areas, fishing is allowed only with special permits, and these fees can be as high as 50-200 lei a day, depending on local regulations.

Rules and regulations for fishing in Romania

Recreational fishing in Romania, including in the Danube Delta, is governed by a number of rules and regulations that must be strictly adhered to in order to preserve the environment and ensure the sustainability of fishing activities:

  • holding a valid fishing license;
  • respecting the closed seasons to protect fish spawning;
  • Immediate release of fish smaller than the legal minimum size;
  • compliance with daily catch limits;
  • using only permitted fishing methods and gear.

Renewing and recovering your free fishing permit

Maintaining the validity of your fishing license is crucial to your uninterrupted fishing experiences. To renew or retrieve your fishing license, follow these simple steps:

  • access the ANPA online platform;
  • select the “Recover license” option;
  • enter your personal data;
  • complete the previous year’s catch sheet, if applicable;
  • answer questions on fisheries legislation;
  • generates the new license.

Getting a fishing license is an essential process for anyone who wants to fish legally and responsibly. Whether you fish on the Danube, the Danube Delta, the Black Sea or inland rivers and lakes, it is important to be properly informed and comply with the legislation. Responsible fishing not only helps you avoid fines, but also contributes to the conservation of aquatic biodiversity so that future generations can enjoy this activity.

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