Fines up to 18 thousand: which fish are prohibited to catch in August and how to avoid penalties.

If you plan to go fishing in August, it is important to remember that even in allowed places, you cannot catch just any fish. The size of the fish or crayfish that you intend to take from the water body is also important.

Information on which fish are categorically prohibited to catch in August and what fines threaten violators is indicated on the website of the Kyiv Fish Protection Patrol.

Which species of fish are prohibited for Ukrainians to keep

Many fishing enthusiasts violate fishing rules due to ignorance of the standards set by law. They define the minimum permissible sizes for various species of fish, the catch of which is allowed outside the spawning period.

The rules of amateur and sports fishing clearly state the procedures and conditions of fishing that all Ukrainians must adhere to. They also contain mandatory requirements regarding the sizes of fish and other aquatic inhabitants. The objects of amateur fishing include various species of aquatic residents, except for those whose catch is prohibited by law.

Among the prohibited are brook, lake and rainbow trout, common carp, hybrids of sturgeons, as well as rare species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, such as the Ukrainian lamprey, freshwater sterlet, common chub, and others.

If you accidentally catch a prohibited fish, it must be carefully removed from the hook and immediately returned to the water to save its life.

What are the minimum sizes of fish and crayfish allowed for catching

Catching fish smaller than the established sizes is prohibited. Here are the minimum sizes for some species:

• Crayfish - 10 cm;
• Catfish - 70 cm;
• Tench - 20 cm;
• Bream - 32 cm;
• Vize - 28 cm;
• Pike - 35 cm;
• Perch - 42 cm;
• Carp - 35 cm;
• Common carp - 25 cm;
• Chub - 25 cm;
• Braided bream - 18 cm;
• Mullet - 24 cm;
• Grass carp - 40 cm;
• White amur - 40 cm;
• Wells catfish (zander) - 30 cm.

For what can fishermen be fined in August

According to the rules, your total catch cannot contain more than 30% of fish and crayfish smaller than the established minimum sizes (calculated by quantity). According to Article 85 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses, if this limit is exceeded, law enforcement officers have the right to draw up an administrative protocol and impose a fine ranging from 34 to 170 hryvnias.

Additionally, for each fish caught in violation of the rules (regardless of size), the fisher has to compensate for damages according to government tariffs. For example:

• Loach - 68 UAH;
• Catfish - 5,117 UAH;
• Tench - 1,598 UAH;
• Bream - 1,649 UAH;
• Pike - 3,468 UAH;
• Perch - 3,162 UAH;
• Chekhonya - 1,581 UAH;
• Sunfish - 1,581 UAH;
• Clingfish - 1,564 UAH;
• Mullet - 1,598 UAH;
• White amur - 3,553 UAH;
• Redfin - 1,564 UAH;
• Common perch - 51 UAH;
• Common carp - 3,706 UAH;
• Bream (tarany) - 1,564 UAH;
• Wells catfish (zander) - 1,649 UAH;
• Gudgeon (uklija) - 85 UAH;
• Common zander - 3,587 UAH;
• Silver crucian - 1,581 UAH;
• Common carp - 1,581 UAH;
• Flathead (guster) - 1,564 UAH;
• Chironomid larvae (per kg) - 1,411 UAH;
• Wels catfish, hybrids of sturgeons - 18,870 UAH;
• Grass carp (white, patterned, hybrids) - 3,638 UAH;
• Crayfish (except broad-clawed and thick-pinned) - 3,332 UAH;
• Other species of fish (except for red-listed) - 51 UAH.

It is also prohibited to use prohibited species of fish or those that have not reached the minimum size as live bait. Before fishing, it is advised to take a ruler or another convenient tool for measuring the fish with you.

Fish should be measured from the side of the body - from the tip of the snout (with the mouth closed) to the beginning of the middle rays of the tail fin. Crayfish should be measured from the dorsal side - from the middle of the eye to the end of the central plate of the tail fin.

We previously wrote that theft is one of the most common criminal acts in Ukraine. However, it does not always entail criminal responsibility - this depends on the circumstances.

We also mentioned that strict amateur fishing rules apply in Ukraine, violations of which may result in fines. However, many people confuse ordinary fines with compensation for damages due to illegal fishing.

Ukrainian fishing regulations establish minimum sizes for fish and crayfish species that can be caught in August. Violations of these norms may incur fines from 34 to 170 hryvnias for each violated unit. It is also important to pay attention to taking measures to preserve the fish population and using allowed baits.