Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:

Vladimir Putin: Mr Krainy, we recently met with representatives of public associations involved in the organisation of fishing activities, with recreational fishers. I think we created a major problem for ourselves out of nothing some time ago, so our colleagues were coming forward with different proposals on how to overcome the situation in a way that would allow the sector to develop while making things convenient for the people – so that instead of putting obstacles in their way we provide them with help. I asked you to explore the things that you, your agency, and State Duma deputies had proposed before the meeting, and to consider the implementation of the proposals that were formulated during the meeting. What has been done?

Andrei Krainy: Mr Putin, first of all, a short draft has been drawn up – we are dropping Article 24, which was the cause of all the fuss. The department sent the draft out on January 13 and it is currently being agreed. I believe we will submit it to the government at the end of this week… Your meeting with recreational anglers and the discussion was followed by two meetings of the public commission under the Federal Agency for Fishery. These were attended by those who were present at that meeting, organised by the Popular Front, as well as by other public organisations. We amended the draft to fulfil your instructions about getting rid of what was known as the “fishing card” and abolishing the payment of fees altogether. From now on…

Vladimir Putin: There will be no cards?

Andrei Krainy: No, there will be no cards. Today on 10 am the draft will be posted online for everyone to see. We will continue collecting proposals for another week, although we have already considered the full range of opinions, including those voiced at your meeting, and your instructions. After that, we will submit it for approval to the ministries, and I think, our colleagues will be quick to approve it.

Vladimir Putin: We need to find solutions that do not adversely affect the interests of those already involved in the work, of those who have invested something in development. I am speaking about representatives of medium-sized business.

Andrei Krainy: We have made provision for setting up recreational fisheries.

Vladimir Putin: Very well. Now tell me about this in more detail, and then present this information to the press.