Notes on magnet fishing in the Main

Due to the introduction of objects into the body of water - and depending on the scope, also for other reasons, see Section 9 (1) of the Federal Water Act (Wasserhaushaltsgesetz) - magnet fishing constitutes a use of water for which a permit under water law is required.

In Hesse, the regional councils are responsible as higher water authorities, here the Frankfurt Environment Department for the area of the cities of Frankfurt am Main and Offenbach am Main as well as the Wetterau district and the Main-Kinzig district, here:

Darmstadt Regional Council
Department Environment Frankfurt
Gutleutstraße 114
60327 Frankfurt am Main

In the Lower Main (i.e. in the entire Hessian area of the Main), magnet fishing is generally not permitted for safety reasons (due to bomb remains and other warfare agents). This also applies to the harbor basin in Offenbach am Main.

The reason for this is the incalculable and considerable danger to life and limb, as old explosive ordnance can in principle be present in all bodies of water.