With the onset of warm weather, more and more Ukrainians are going fishing – for some it is a way to relax in nature, and for others it is a real hobby. At the same time, even during amateur fishing, it is worth remembering the rules and restrictions, because for certain violations you can get hefty fines.
What fish cannot be caught in Ukraine?
First of all, pay attention to prohibited species and the minimum sizes of individuals allowed for catching. 24 Channel has figured out the details.
Due to water pollution, poaching, and habitat loss, some species in Ukraine are on the verge of extinction. That is why they were listed in the Red Book and fishing is prohibited. Currently, 75 species of ray-finned fish are under special protection. Depending on their number and level of threat to their existence, they are classified into different categories – from rare to endangered.
If you accidentally hook such a fish, carefully release it and release it back into the reservoir.
– advises the fish protection patrol.
Illegal fishing of such biological resources is punishable by administrative fines and compensation for damages caused to the fishery, and sometimes even criminal liability.
The State Fisheries Agency has repeatedly reported on the amount of compensation for one individual, regardless of its size:
- for beluga – 100 thousand hryvnias;
- Russian sturgeon , stellate sturgeon and chechuga – 48 thousand hryvnias each;
- European grayling , Black Sea and Danube salmon – 14 thousand hryvnias each;
- Black Sea carved toothfish – 10 thousand hryvnias;
- Dnieper madder – 820 hryvnias;
- Russian bystryanki – 660 hryvnias;
- golden crucian carp and common bream – 330 hryvnias each, etc.
What do Red Book fish species look like / State Fish Agency
In addition, under Article 90 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses, deterioration or destruction of the habitat of Red Book animals and plants, as well as their illegal removal from there, which led to their death or is punishable by a fine of 340 to 510 hryvnias for citizens and from 850 to 1,360 hryvnias for for officials with the confiscation of illegally obtained goods.
What do you need to know about fish size?
First of all, it is worth noting that the daily catch limit for one person is 3 kilograms and one additional fish. Exceeding this limit is a gross violation of fishing rules and is punishable by a fine of 340 to 680 hryvnias.
Ukrainians are also required to release “trophies” into the reservoir whose size is smaller than the minimum permitted. Otherwise, in addition to the 170 hryvnia fine, they will also have to pay a fee for illegal fishing, namely:
- underwear (up to 30 centimeters) – 1,649 hryvnias;
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chub (up to 24 centimeters) and tench (up to 20 centimeters) – 1,598 hryvnias each;
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small fish (up to 20 centimeters) – 1,581 hryvnias;
- cancer (up to 10 centimeters) – 3,332 hryvnias;
- catfish (up to 80 centimeters) – 5,117 hryvnias;
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pike perch (up to 42 centimeters) – 3,587 hryvnias;
- trout (up to 20 centimeters) – 7,225 hryvnias;
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Czech (up to 24 centimeters) – 1,581 hryvnia;
- pike (up to 50 centimeters) – 3,468 hryvnias, etc.
When are stricter restrictions in place?
From April 1 to the end of June (the exact dates depend on the region), the spawning period in Ukraine lasts, when the fish reproduces. Therefore, it can only be caught from the shore, using no more than two hooks or spinning with one artificial bait.
Moreover, compliance with the rules on water bodies is monitored by the environmental inspection, which is currently operating in an intensified mode.