The proposed amendments to the Law on Freshwater Fisheries, which would allow spear fishing within Skadar Lake National Park, represent a step backward in the protection of natural values. Therefore, this issue should not even be a matter of debate in our country.

In a national park, priority must be given to biodiversity conservation, not to the legalization of methods that can cause long-term damage to fish stocks and the ecosystem.

Allowing this type of fishing in an area that is a protected natural asset at both national and international levels would only open the door to new abuses and further endanger already degraded aquatic ecosystems.

Montenegro has been facing serious problems with illegal fishing for years, especially in areas of high biodiversity importance such as Skadar Lake, where poaching is particularly widespread.

It is especially concerning that such significant amendments are being proposed at a time when efforts are being made to combat illegal fishing, yet results in this field remain limited. Instead of legalizing such practices, it is necessary to strengthen the capacities of inspection services and protected area managers, intensify efforts to combat poaching, and preserve fish stocks and the biodiversity of Skadar Lake.

Such major legal changes, which would increase pressure on the lake’s fish stocks, must be based on clear analyses, impact assessments, and evidence that institutions have the capacity to prevent abuse—something that has not been ensured in this case.

Therefore, Green Home supports the position of the Legislative Committee, which today rejected the proposed amendments.