From December 1, 2024, a ban on catching crayfish will be introduced in most fishing reservoirs of Ukraine. The decision was taken to preserve and protect these aquatic inhabitants during their breeding, spawning and first molt periods. About this informs State Agency for the Development of Land Reclamation, Fisheries and Food Programs of Ukraine.
The agency reminds that the restrictions will come into effect on the Danube River and the Danube lakes from December 5, and on the Kyiv, Kaniv, Kremenchutsk, Kamian and Dnipro reservoirs – from December 15.
According to scientists, Transcarpathia is dominated by populations of broad-toed crayfish, listed in the Red Book of Ukraine. Its fishing is prohibited throughout the year. The State Fisheries Agency also warns that violation of the ban entails administrative or criminal liability, as well as the obligation to compensate for the damage caused. The fine for one illegally caught crayfish is 3,332 hryvnias.
“The current unfavorable ecological situation and poaching have led to a decrease in natural stocks of crayfish. Therefore, we appeal to fishermen not to forget the responsible attitude towards these river inhabitants and to observe the established restrictions.” – the department emphasizes.
