Bhutan introduced the concept of High-end recreational fishing in 2022, through the amendment of Forests and Nature Conservation Rules and Regulations 2017. This new eco-tourism focus comes at a time when tourism sector reforms are now in place and high-end recreational fishing for Golden Mahseer is expected offer diversified adventure tourism in Bhutan. Bhutan’s rivers are now delineated into Mahseer waters and Trout waters and further classification of high-end recreational fishing sites has been completed. Under the regulations, international anglers are required to be guided by a certified Bhutanese fishing guide for pursuing recreational fishing in Bhutan. In order to put into place a pool of certified fishing guides, two levels of trainings were conducted by the Nature Conservation Division, Department of Forests and Park Services, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism.
Training of Trainers:
A set of six freelance anglers and rafting guides were initially trained during the “Training of Trainers” programme in Punakha from 3rd – 5th November 2022, by a team of experts from the US. They were taught on the basics of training fishing guides in Bhutan, so that they can lead future trainings and refreshers courses.
Recreational Fishing Guide Training:
Following the Training of Trainers programme, a nine-day intensive professional training of fishing guides was conducted at Panbang Zhemgang from 8th – 16th November 2022. The trained trainers assisted the expert trainers in delivering the training. The training covered both theory and practices of recreational fishing, which includes but not limited to the following;
- River safety skills
- Attributes of a professional fishing guide
- Knowing the fishing regulations of Bhutan
- Understanding the recreational fishing equipment
- Understanding conservation of fish and the health of river ecosystems
- Fish handling, photography, and data collection
- Rafting skills for recreational fishing
The training was attended by 13 registered tour guides, 4 local guides from Panbang, Zhemgang and officials from Department of Forests and Park Services, Department of Tourism, and WWF Bhutan. The training was delivered by experts from the Fisheries Conservation Foundation, Swift water Safety Institute, and International Flyfishing Outfitters. The training was supported by GEF 7 Ecotourism project managed by Department of Tourism, Fisheries Conservation Foundation, USA, WWF Bhutan, Druk Rafting Services, and River Guides of Panbang.
Nature Conservation Division
