State control over illegal fishing and sale of fish will be strengthened during spawning

From April 1, 2023, an annual spawning ban on the fishing of aquatic biological resources begins in Ukraine. The validity period of the ban is determined separately for regions and types of water bodies. At this time, commercial fishing, spearfishing, movement of all vehicles or motor vessels are prohibited, and control over the operation of water intake facilities is being strengthened.

Image credit: Jin Kemoole on flickr
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At the same time, during the spawning period, one person is allowed to catch 3 kg + 1 pc per day. Pisces. You can catch it on a hook, but no more than two per fishing or spinning with one artificial bait from the shore in areas not prohibited for amateur fishing during the spring-summer ban.

At this time, state control over compliance with legislative norms and rules of fishing will be strengthened. This was discussed at a working meeting of the Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Vitaliy Golovny with the State Fisheries Agency and the State Production and Consumer Service.

The participants agreed on joint measures to control illegal fishing and its sale. These measures involve the joint efforts of local authorities, fishermen, inspectors, law enforcement agencies and other authorised bodies. Also, veterinary and sanitary measures for aquatic bioresources in food markets, trade networks and food establishments will be strengthened.

“During the spawning ban, it is necessary to take control of reservoirs and points of sale as much as possible, and to prevent violations of the rules for catching aquatic biological resources. This is important so that in the coming years we have a high-quality domestic product that would ensure the country’s food and economic security. This requires concerted joint actions of the participants in the process and control bodies,” Vitaliy Holovnya says.

For reference: according to the new Rules of amateur and sport fishing:

– increased from 1 to 2 the permitted number of hooks when catching aquatic biological resources from the shore outside spawning grounds during the spring-summer spawning ban;

– it is allowed to hold official sports events during periods of spawning bans from the shore outside the spawning grounds.

Violation of fishing rules is subject to administrative and criminal liability.

The Aquaculturists

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