Fishing enforcers in Saxony-Anhalt are facing a surge in hostile encounters while conducting their duties, with the Anglers' Association reporting a dramatic rise in cases of disregard, insults, and even physical assaults. Some bodies of water have become off-limits for these inspectors due to the perceived danger.
"The frequency of disregard, verbal abuse, and even violent attacks against our inspectors is on the rise," Anja van der Molen-Stolze, the managing director of the Anglers' Association, told the German Press Agency. She went on to explain that these incidents have even led to some waters being withdrawn from inspection due to risk to life. The association has reported these incidents to the state government.
Threats with knives have been made, particularly in urban areas, according to van der Molen-Stolze. To mitigate these risks, the association advises inspectors to conduct checks in pairs. They have also incorporated conflict management training into their courses. Coordination with the police is attempted, but organization can be challenging.
Group attacks are particularly menacing, said van der Molen-Stolze, adding that these were usually perpetrated by anglers with migrant backgrounds.
Fishing inspectors are appointed by various entities, including associations and local authorities, as well as the police and water police. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that anglers possess valid permits and adhere to closed seasons for various fish species. They receive a yearly stipend of around 180 euros for their services.
Despite the escalating risk, the Anglers' Association advocates for collaboration with local police to tackle the rising incidents of criminality towards fishing inspectors.
(Source: )
Enrichment Data:
Despite the increased risk, there appears to be limited specific mention or data on German authorities' efforts to address the rise in attacks against fishing inspectors. However, international efforts to regulate fishing practices and ensure adherence to regulations, such as those undertaken by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA), can provide a context for enforcement and safety measures.
- CITES regulations: CITES has implemented measures to prevent illegal fishing activities, including implementing surveillance and enforcement measures to safeguard endangered species like the vaquita[1].
- EU Fisheries Regulations: EFCA has been involved in detaining a German-registered super trawler for alleged breaches of EU fishing regulations. This demonstrates a strong enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance with regulations, which could indirectly contribute to the safety of inspectors by maintaining a secure and regulated environment[2][5].
- Cybersecurity Measures: While not directly related to physical attacks on inspectors, the U.S. Coast Guard's efforts to strengthen cybersecurity in maritime transportation systems can provide a broader framework for ensuring the safety and security of all maritime operations, including those involving fishing inspectors[3].
These international efforts show the importance of enforcement in maintaining a regulated and secure environment for inspectors. However, specific data on German measures to combat attacks against fishing inspectors was not found in the provided sources.
