Digitalization of the Fishing Industry: Launch of an Electronic System for Commercial Fishing
In December 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers made a decision to launch an experimental project aimed at fundamentally changing the process of obtaining permits for commercial fishing in Ukraine. From now on, entrepreneurs will be able to submit applications through the Unified State Electronic System for Managing the Fishing Industry, which will significantly simplify bureaucratic procedures and make them as transparent as possible.
This is reported by AgroReview
Abandoning Paperwork in Favor of Digital Solutions
The fishing sector in Ukraine has long been associated with excessive bureaucracy, numerous certificates, and opaque schemes. The introduction of the electronic declaration system means that all data about fish catches — who, when, and where they plan to operate — will now be recorded digitally. This will allow the state to obtain a real picture of the use of aquatic biological resources and reduce opportunities for falsification in reporting.
According to the new rules, business entities must submit a declaration of planned catches by November 1 in order to be able to fish in the following year.
Benefits of Digital Transparency for Business and the State
Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy Taras Vysotsky emphasizes that the implementation of the electronic system will significantly lower administrative barriers and ensure fair competition in the market. Thanks to the unified process of document submission through the online platform, entrepreneurs will be able to avoid unnecessary human influence, which, in turn, minimizes the risks of corruption and delays in procedures.
“For businesses, this is truly a relief, as the unified process of document submission through the electronic system minimizes the human factor. When an official cannot ‘lose’ your folder or demand additional paperwork, it becomes easier to breathe.”
In addition to the convenience for entrepreneurs, the electronic system is crucial for preserving aquatic biological resources. The state will have the opportunity to quickly analyze data, monitor catch volumes, and respond promptly to threats of depletion in water bodies. In the long run, this could ensure stable revenues for the state budget and restore order in Ukrainian waters.