A spawning ban on fish catch is being introduced in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

      Starting April 15, restrictions on amateur fishing and a complete ban on industrial fishing will be introduced at the Gorky Reservoir and in the rivers flowing into it, as well as in the lakes of the Nizhny Novgorod region. The restrictions will be lifted on June 16. This was reported by the Ministry of Forestry of the Nizhny Novgorod region. "During the spawning period, creating favorable conditions for the natural restoration of fish resources becomes our top priority. The introduction of temporary fishing restrictions is a fundamentally important measure that not only helps to preserve the fish stocks of the region but also lays the foundations for ecological culture and responsible attitudes towards natural resources," the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife Protection of the Nizhny Novgorod region noted. In the Nizhny Novgorod region, amateur fishing, including during the spawning period, is regulated by the fishing rules for the Volga-Caspian fishery basin. The list of spawning areas is established in Appendix No. 2 to the rules and is publicly available on the official website of the agency. During this period, fishing with spinning rods is prohibited throughout the region, regardless of whether a specific area is included in the list of specially designated spawning zones. Only amateur fishing from the shore outside of spawning areas is allowed using float or bottom fishing rods, provided that no more than two hooks are used per fishing gear. The daily catch limit for amateur fishermen must not exceed 5 kg.

      Let us remind you that violating fishing rules entails liability as provided for in part 2 of Article 8.37 of the Administrative Offenses Code of the Russian Federation, which includes imposing an administrative fine on citizens ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 rubles, with the confiscation of the vessel and other fishing gear (catching) of aquatic biological resources or without such confiscation. Liability for illegal extraction of aquatic biological resources is provided for in Article 256 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and is punishable by a fine ranging from 300,000 to 500,000 rubles or in the amount of the convicted person's salary or other income for a period of two to three years, or by corrective labor for up to 2 years, or by imprisonment for the same period.

      Kristina Koretskaya