New restrictions for anglers in Ukraine took effect on June 1
Seasonal restrictions on the catch of Black Sea shrimp until July 31 and mussels until August 30 in the Black Sea basin took effect in Ukraine on June 1. Violations of these regulations are subject to administrative or criminal penalties, as well as confiscation and compensation for damages caused to the fishing industry.
This was reported by SUD.UA.
Such measures are necessary to ensure the natural reproduction of aquatic biological resources, as explained by the State Agency for Fisheries. At the same time, the spring-summer spawning ban has already ended on most of the country’s rivers, so recreational fishing is once again permitted in designated areas, with the exception of certain reservoirs, ponds, and estuaries, where restrictions may remain in effect. Recreational fishing is permitted only with the use of handlines or spinning rods with a total of no more than seven hooks per person, and the daily limit is up to three kilograms of fish and one individual exceeding the minimum size limit. Requirements regarding the minimum size of fish that can be caught also remain in effect; specifically, pike must be no less than 50 centimeters, zander—42 centimeters, and catfish—80 centimeters, while the catch of species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine is strictly prohibited, including sterlet, beluga, sturgeon, virezb, Danube and Black Sea salmon, and other rare representatives of aquatic fauna.
Violations of fishing regulations under Part 3 of Article 85 of the Code of Administrative Offenses are punishable by a warning or a fine of 34 to 170 hryvnias for citizens. Gross violations of fishing regulations under Part 4 of Article 85 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, specifically fishing using explosives, toxic substances, electric current, firearms, industrial or other prohibited fishing gear, as well as catches exceeding established limits or the daily quota, a fine of 340 to 680 hryvnias is imposed, with or without the confiscation of fishing gear and illegally obtained aquatic biological resources. For the illegal purchase, sale, or distribution of fish without supporting documents confirming the legality of its origin, Article 88-1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses provides for a fine ranging from 510 to 1,700 hryvnias, and for the same actions involving species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine—a fine ranging from 1,700 to 3,655 hryvnias with confiscation of such species. The manufacture, sale, storage, or advertising of prohibited tools for harvesting wildlife is punishable by a fine of 153 to 357 hryvnias, with confiscation of such tools. In addition to an administrative fine, the offender may be required to compensate for damages at special rates for each illegally caught individual, and if the illegal catch has caused significant harm to fish stocks, criminal liability may apply.
Read also: Fishing Calendar for June 2026: When Is the Best Time to Fish.
