Number of Fishermen and Vessels
The number of fishermen in Estonia has decreased over the years. Whereas there used to be nearly 3,000 fishermen, in 2023 the number of fishermen registered on fishing permits was 2,282. Of these, 1,935 were listed on Baltic Sea fishing permits. In 2023, the number of fishermen registered on fishing permits related to Lake Peipus and Lake Lämmijärv was 180. On Lake Võrtsjärv, fishing permits were issued to 63 fishermen or companies.
According to data entered into the Fisheries Information System, in 2023 Baltic Sea coastal fishermen used 2,015 fishing vessels under 12 meters in length, and there were 511 fishing boats used in inland water fishing.
In 2023, Estonia had 22 trawlers actively operating in the Baltic Sea (employing a total of 116 people). Since 2022, Estonia’s Baltic Sea trawler fleet has consisted solely of vessels over 18 meters in length. Three fishing vessels operated in the Atlantic Ocean (each typically crewed by about 20 people).
(Source: Yearbook Estonian Fishery 2022–2023)
Many professional fishermen (mainly trawl fishermen) have joined the Estonian Fishermen’s Association. There are also eight fisheries action groups operating in Estonia, through which coastal fishermen can develop their sector.
The fisheries statistics of the Estonian fleet can be found on the website of the Agriculture and Food Board.
