Regional and Agriculture Minister Hendrik Terras said he wants exemptions for coastal fishermen from EU rules. These rules concern the weighing of fish.
Terras said these rules are too complicated and unnecessary for fishermen. He wants Estonia to get exemptions in sample collection, fish unloading, and weighing.
The minister explained that small boats are not the same as large fishing vessels. He said: "We need to show that Estonian coastal fishermen need exemptions and that they do not violate the objectives of the rules."
On July 10, EU countries voted on the new rules. 23 countries voted in favor, two against. Estonia did not vote for or against because the rules were changed before the vote.
The new rules require more data on fish weight, boxes, and weighing locations. Fish must be weighed immediately after catch, and each species separately. An official or camera must be present during weighing.
Estonian fishermen believe these rules are too complicated. They do not understand why these rules need to apply in Estonia.
Prime Minister Kristen Michal said these rules are foolish. He said: "I don’t understand why we need more bureaucracy. This is not a sensible solution."
Michal added: "Maybe there are problems with fish weighing elsewhere in Europe, but I think this rule is simply absurd. I support fishermen, but I don’t like bureaucracy."