The ban on crayfish fishing has ended in Ukraine: what is allowed
As of July 1, the seasonal ban on crayfish fishing in Ukraine’s water bodies—which had been in effect since the end of last year—has officially ended. At the same time, anglers were reminded of the strict fishing regulations and the significant fines for violating them.
The State Agency for Fisheries announced the lifting of the restriction.
The agency emphasized that the permission to catch crayfish is long-awaited by anglers, but requires a responsible approach.
“The lifting of the ban on crayfish fishing is a long-awaited event for many fishing enthusiasts. However, when heading out to a body of water, do not forget to treat river inhabitants with respect and strictly comply with environmental protection laws,” said Ihor Klymenok, head of the State Fisheries Agency.
Clear daily catch limits have been established: up to 30 crayfish per person per day.
Only certain fishing methods are permitted: hand-picking, “snap” crayfish traps (up to 70 cm in diameter), landing nets up to 100 cm in diameter, and “grapples” or “spiders” measuring up to 1×1 m.
Restrictions remain in place on crayfish fishing during nighttime hours (from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise) and on the use of artificial lighting during fishing.
Minimum crayfish sizes have also been established:
- Dnipro reservoirs — 11 cm
- Other bodies of water and the Black Sea region — 10 cm
- Azov region — 9 cm
The size is measured from the line between the eyes to the tip of the tail plate.
Illegal fishing is subject to administrative fines or criminal liability, as well as compensation for damages—3,332 UAH per illegally caught crayfish.
This was reported by the State Agency for Fisheries.
Previously, the State Agency of Ukraine for the Development of Land Reclamation, Fisheries, and Food Programs announced a ban on crayfish fishing to preserve their population during the mating season, egg-carrying period, and first molting.
