In the Zhytomyr region, the State Environmental Inspectorate discovered fishermen who illegally caught fish during spawning, causing damage of over 250 thousand hryvnias

The ambiguous actions of fishermen caused severe damage to the ecosystem during the ban on fishing during the spawning period. Now, the law holds them accountable for their actions.

Illegal fishing on the Irpin River

On April 28, environmental inspectors of the Polissya region and law enforcement officers conducted a raid on the Irpin River near the village of Rudka. As a result, they detained two people who, during the ban, were fishing using a prohibited method—three nets with a total length of 210 meters.

Their catch included 19 crucian carp and 40 bream, and the damage caused to the fishery amounted to almost 96 thousand hryvnias.

Investigators were called to the scene of the incident and initiated proceedings.

Prohibited tools and destroyed fish

After a more detailed inspection of the reservoir, specialists discovered three more nets with a length of 90 meters. This time, the catch was impressive: 49 Crucian carp, five tench, four rudd, and 39 bream. The damage amounts to over 156 thousand hryvnias.

The fish had spoiled, so it had to be disposed of in accordance with the established norms.

So, in total, 156 fish were dead, and the total damage exceeded 252 thousand hryvnias.

A violation that harms nature

The Head of the State Environmental Inspectorate of the Polissya District, Yevgeny Medvedovsky, emphasized:

“Violation of fishing rules during spawning is not only an administrative offense. It is a serious blow to the natural balance. Restoring fish populations takes time and effort. We will continue raids to protect our water resources.”

Ban on fishing

The Inspectorate urges fishermen to adhere to the spawning ban:

In reservoirs, from April 1 to June 10;

In rivers and their tributaries – from April 1 to May 20;

In the tributary waters of rivers, from April 1 to June 30.

A complete ban on catching river crayfish is also in effect in the reservoirs of Zhytomyr and Rivne regions from December 2024 to June 30, 2025.

Documentation of all violations

On April 24, inspectors found another offender on the bank of the Sluch River with a prohibited tool. The protocol was drawn up under Part 3 of Article 85 of the Code of Administrative Offenses.

Spawning is a critical time for the preservation of aquatic fauna. Illegal fishing during this period is a serious crime against nature. The Inspectorate assured that offenders will not go unpunished.