Ukraine lifts the seasonal ban on crayfish fishing starting July 1, 2025, after a seven-month hiatus. Now anglers can catch crayfish, but only 30 per person per day. The goal is to preserve the population of these aquatic inhabitants.
Violating the ban on crayfish fishing may result in a fine or even criminal liability if harm is caused to the ecosystem. Compensation is also provided for each illegally caught crayfish.
Overall, fishing regulations in Ukraine allow both citizens and foreigners to engage in fishing. There are rules and exceptions for free fishing for certain categories of citizens, such as children, disabled individuals, and participants in the liquidation of the Chernobyl disaster.
In public water bodies, fishing is allowed from the shore as well as from boats, but not with more than five hooks. In paid water bodies, only members of fishing organizations may fish, also with limitations on the number of hooks.