Mura Region EGTC

Within the framework of the B-Solutions initiative, the Mura Region EGTC developed a project for the comparison of Croatian and Hungarian fishing rules and dip-net fishing on the Mura and the Drava rivers. The Mura river’s centre line became the national border in 1920. Over the last hundred years, the river’s drift has generated that Croatian or Hungarian territories can be found on both sides of the riverbed. For the last 75 years, the habitants have not been allowed to go to the river banks. Croatia’s accession to the Schengen area in January 2024 created the opportunities for the development of fishing tourism. 

Fishing is permitted under the national legislations, but the experience of regional fishing associations shows that there are significant regulatory differences on both sides of the border. For example, the definition of protected (banned to be fished) fish species is different in Hungary and Croatia. There are differences in the periods of prohibition of fishing, the permitted quantity of fishable species and their sizes. In addition, it is important to review the competence of the fish guards who control anglers, as fishing from boats is allowed on the two rivers.

Examination of the fishing regulations helps to identify legal differences and draws attention to obstacles. The project is being implemented by the fishing associations of the counties of Baranya, Međimurje, Somogy and Zala, under the guidance of CESCI and organised by Mura Region EGTC, in accordance with the relevant national legislation. The methodology and results of the study may be applicable to border rivers in other countries, such as the Danube and the Ipoly/Ipeľ.