Illegal fishing of 4.5 tons of whitefish: more than 50 cases uncovered
In connection with the whitefish spawning season, a ban on whitefish fishing is established in Lake Sevan every year. This time, the ban was in effect from November 20 of last year until February 1.
According to data from the responsible structures, the number of violations has decreased compared to the previous year. This is attributed not only to the intensified work of the supervisory bodies but also to the increased legal awareness of citizens.
During the ban, 27 watercraft, eight trailers, and 189 fishing nets were seized and moved to a specially protected area.
Several cases of illegal transportation were uncovered during road inspections. Water patrols of the Gegharkunik region stopped a car on the Yerevan-Sevan-Ijevan highway, under the hood of which 74 pieces of whitefish were found; in another instance, 230 kilograms of whitefish were found in the cabin of an “Opel” brand car being transported by a tow truck on the Tsovagyugh-Shorzha-Vardenis road.
Patrols of the Gegharkunik regional battalion have uncovered 58 cases of illegal fishing, of which administrative proceedings were initiated for 40, and criminal proceedings for 18. Around 12,000 whitefish with a total weight of about 4.5 tons were discovered and seized.
Cases were also recorded in various other regions of the republic. Specifically, 273 kg of whitefish were found in the Shirak region, 32 kg in Vayots Dzor, 147 kg in Tavush, and 182 kg in Kotayk. Cases of sales were also prevented in the capital.
