Illegal fishing gear discovered in Lake Sevan
Employees of the Kotayk and Gegharkunik Provincial Departments of the Eco-Patrol Service of the Ministry of Environment, conducting monitoring in the area adjacent to the Tsovazard settlement in Gegharkunik Province, discovered and removed 346 illegal crayfish traps and 90 fishing nets from Lake Sevan. For the purpose of nature conservation, 76 crayfish were immediately released back into the lake. A corresponding protocol has been drawn up regarding the discovered facts, and work is currently underway to identify the perpetrators.
In previous days, the same service, following an operation carried out in the area adjacent to Hayravank, had discovered an additional 67 crayfish traps and 18 fishing nets.
It should be recalled that the Government of the Republic of Armenia (RA) decision clearly defines the permissible quotas, deadlines, and conditions and requirements for organizing fishing activities in Lake Sevan. Specifically, industrial crayfish hunting is not permitted for 2025, and Whitefish (sig) hunting must be carried out throughout the entire area of the lake, but at a minimum distance of 500 meters from the shore. All specified measures are aimed at ensuring the protection and restoration of the natural resources of Lake Sevan.