Kyrgyzstan proposes slashing fishing permit fees to boost tourism, curb poaching

Kyrgyzstan is proposing a significant reduction in fees for amateur and sport fishing permits, a move intended to make the activity more accessible and encourage domestic tourism. The initiative, currently under public discussion, focuses on popular fishing spots like Lake Issyk-Kul.

The proposed changes would lower the fee for catching endemic fish species from 150 to 50 Kyrgyz som per kilogram. This adjustment is expected to drastically cut the cost of a three-day fishing permit, potentially from over 1,500 som to around 613 som, while maintaining daily catch limits.

Authorities believe that by making legal fishing more affordable, more citizens will obtain official permits. This, in turn, is expected to increase the appeal of fishing tourism on Lake Issyk-Kul and help combat illegal fishing operations. The proposal also seeks to remove the Issyk-Kul marinka fish from the list of species subject to fishing fees, as it is a protected species listed in Kyrgyzstan's Red Book.