New Restrictions Introduced for Fishermen from June 1: Fines and Confiscation for Violations
From June 1, seasonal restrictions for fishermen in the Black Sea basin came into effect in Ukraine. This time they concern not fish, but Black Sea shrimp and mussels. According to the State Fisheries Agency, shrimp fishing is prohibited until July 31, and mussel fishing until August 30.
The agency explained that such measures are necessary to ensure the natural reproduction of aquatic biological resources. Violations of the established restrictions entail administrative or criminal liability, as well as compensation for damages caused to the fishery.
Rules for fishermen after the spawning ban ends
At the same time, the spring-summer spawning ban has already ended on most rivers in Ukraine, so recreational fishing is again allowed in designated areas. However, the State Fisheries Agency emphasizes that restrictions may remain in effect on certain reservoirs, ponds, and estuaries, so fishermen are advised to check information in territorial offices in advance.
Recreational fishing is allowed only using fishing rods or spinning rods with a total of no more than seven hooks per person. The daily catch limit is up to three kilograms of fish and one individual exceeding the minimum allowable size.
Requirements regarding the minimum sizes of fish that can be caught also remain in effect. In particular, pike must be at least 50 centimeters, zander — 42 centimeters, and catfish — 80 centimeters. The catch of species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine is completely prohibited, including sterlet, beluga, sturgeon, asp, Danube and Black Sea salmon, and other rare aquatic fauna representatives.
The State Fisheries Agency urges citizens to comply with the established fishing rules and responsibly preserve aquatic biological resources.
Penalties for violations
Illegal fishing of aquatic biological resources in Ukraine entails both administrative and criminal liability.
Sanctions for violating fishing rules include:
- For violating fishing rules (Part 3, Article 85 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses) — warning or fine for citizens from 34 to 170 UAH;
- For gross violation of fishing rules (Part 4, Article 85), including fishing using explosives, poisonous substances, electric current, firearms, industrial or other prohibited fishing gear, as well as catching aquatic biological resources exceeding established limits or daily catch norms — a fine from 340 to 680 UAH with confiscation of fishing gear and illegally caught aquatic biological resources or without it;
- For illegal acquisition, sale, or distribution of animal or plant objects (Article 88-1), including fish without documents confirming legal origin — a fine from 510 to 1700 UAH;
- For the same actions regarding objects listed in the Red Book of Ukraine — a fine from 1700 to 3655 UAH with confiscation of such objects;
- For manufacturing, selling, storing, or advertising prohibited fishing gear — a fine from 153 to 357 UAH with confiscation of these gear.
In addition to administrative fines, the offender may be required to compensate damages according to special rates for each illegally caught individual.
If illegal fishing causes significant harm to fish stocks, criminal liability may apply.
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