A seasonal ban on fishing in wintering holes has come into effect in Ukraine since November 1, 2024, due to the need to protect the ecosystem of water bodies and fish populations. These bans will last until the spring-summer spawning period of next year, and fishermen are advised to be careful and familiarize themselves with the places where fishing is prohibited.
Wintering holes are deep areas of the bottom of water bodies where fish go to spend the winter. Fishing in such places can disrupt the natural process of wintering of fish and significantly affect the state of the population. This can lead to negative consequences for the ecosystem of aquatic resources, which is why government authorities have introduced a ban on fishing in these areas for both amateur and commercial fishing.
The State Fisheries Agency of Ukraine has already published a list of prohibited fishing areas in each region of the country so that fishermen can be aware and avoid violations.
Despite the ban, fishing enthusiasts can still enjoy their hobby, but only in specially designated areas. There are a few rules to follow:
- Use only winter fishing rods, spinning rods or float tackle.
- Up to 7 hooks per fisherman are allowed.
- It is prohibited to use fishing gear with hooks in which the distance from the shank to the tip of the sting exceeds 10 mm.
- You can use both natural and artificial baits.
These simple rules will help maintain the natural balance in the ecosystem of water bodies without violating the laws.
What is the penalty for violation?
According to the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses, fishing in prohibited areas is subject to fines ranging from 34 to 680 UAH, depending on the severity of the violation.
In case of significant damage to the ecosystem or violation of fishing rules in large volumes, criminal liability is provided for in accordance with Article 249 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. In such a case, the violator may be fined from UAH 17,000 to UAH 85,000 or be subject to restriction/imprisonment for up to three years.
Taxes for illegally caught fish
In addition to fines, violators will also have to pay for each illegally caught fish in accordance with the fees prescribed in Cabinet Resolution N1042. In particular:
- Silver crucian carp, bream — 1581 UAH;
- Carp (common carp) — 3706 UAH;
- Common perch — 3162 UAH;
- Pike — 3468 UAH;
- White, variegated thick-headed - 3638 UAH;
- White cupid — 3638 UAH;
- European catfish — 5117 UAH;
- Cancer — 3332 UAH;
- Krasnopierka, gossip, gustera — UAH 1,564;
- Common ruff, common sandpiper — 51 UAH.
Thus, violators who illegally catch valuable fish can pay significant amounts for each specimen. The most expensive on this list is catfish, for the catch of which a fee of 5,117 UAH per specimen is provided.
