In a nature reserve in the Poltava region, the State Environmental Inspectorate discovered and seized two kilometers of nets and gear for catching crayfish

A joint operation by inspectors from the environmental service and the police resulted in the seizure of more than 20 illegal fishing devices, including crab traps and a boat from which the alleged offender had attempted to escape. The case has been transferred to law enforcement agencies for further investigation.

Raid events

On May 6 and 8, 2025, officers from the State Ecological Inspectorate of the Central District, along with the police, conducted raids on the territory of the Sulynskyi Landscape Reserve, a significant nature conservation area.

During the inspections, the following were detected and seized:

2 crab traps,

3 gillnets,

26 catfish nets with a total length of about 2 km.
Rescued living creatures

Live crayfish and fish that fell into the nets were returned to their natural waters. This measure is critically important since the reserves are specially protected areas, and any intervention can hurt the ecosystem.

Escape of the offender

During the inspection, the inspectors noticed a man on an inflatable boat. While the inspection was underway, he left the vessel and fled, avoiding contact with law enforcement officers. There are reasons to believe that he could have been involved in illegal fishing.

The materials from this incident have already been provided to law enforcement agencies, which aim to identify the offender and prosecute him according to current legislation.

The environmental inspectorate emphasized:

“We will continue to conduct raids and inspections to protect the natural resources of the Poltava and Cherkasy regions.”

The Sulyn Reserve is not just a reservoir. It is an element of an ecologically valuable fund, where poaching is a serious threat to the natural balance. Such actions cause significant harm and can lead to the extinction of rare plant and animal species.