Spring and Summer Spawning Ban to be Enforced
Ukraine will implement an annual spring and summer fishing ban starting in April 2026 to protect aquatic life during spawning season. The State Agency of Ukraine for Land Reclamation, Fisheries, and Food Programs announced the prohibition, which applies to all commercial fishing waters and restricts both fishing and the use of vehicles on these bodies of water. This aligns with conservation efforts seen in many countries to protect fish stocks during their most vulnerable reproductive period.
While the general prohibition on fishing will run from April 1 to June 30, specific start dates have been set for different water bodies:
- Dnipro Reservoir — from April 5;
- Kyiv, Kaniv, Kremenchuk, and Kamianske Reservoirs — from April 8;
- Danube River — 45 days on the tributary system and 60 days, including Lake Sasyk;
- Dniester River within Odesa Oblast — from April 15 to June 15, and with all tributaries — from April 1 to June 10;
- Dnipro River, including the Inhulets tributary — from April 10 to June 15;
- Southern Buh — from April 5 to May 25;
- Inhul River — from April 1 to June 30;
- Rivers, tributaries, and lakes of Zakarpattia Oblast — from March 25 to May 15;
- All other rivers and their core waters — from April 1 to May 20;
- Dnipro, Buh, and Berezan Estuaries — from April 5 to June 5;
- Tyligul, Hryhorivskyi, Dofinivskyi, Shabolatskyi, Sukhyi, and Tuzly Estuaries — from May 1 to June 15;
- Khadjibey Estuary — from April 15 to June 15;
- Dniester Estuary with floodplains — from April 15 to July 31.
During the spawning season, fishing is permitted only from the shore outside of designated spawning grounds. The only allowed fishing gear includes:
- Hook-based gear with no more than two hooks per angler;
- A spinning rod with one artificial lure.
The movement of all vehicles or motorized vessels on water bodies is prohibited, except along established shipping lanes and for fishery protection vessels. Commercial fishing and spearfishing are also banned.
Violating the fishing rules during the spawning period can result in a fine ranging from 1,700 to 6,800 hryvnias or a restriction of liberty for up to three years, along with confiscation of equipment. In connection with this, a draft law proposing increased fines for illegal fishing has been registered on the website of the Verkhovna Rada.
Electronic Fisheries Management System
Since October 19, 2023, Ukraine has operated the Unified State Electronic System for Fisheries Management (eFish), designed to improve oversight of fishing regulations and the protection of aquatic bioresources.
The introduction of the annual spawning ban is a crucial step for preserving Ukraine's aquatic bioresources and supporting the ecosystem of its rivers and water bodies.
The spawning period is critically important for replenishing fish stocks, and adherence to these restrictions will help preserve biodiversity. Furthermore, the new electronic fisheries management system is intended to provide more effective monitoring of fishing regulations, which should help reduce the level of illegal fishing.