Ukraine to Increase Fines for Poaching in 2026: New Penalties for Illegal Fishing.

Ukraine Implements Stricter Penalties for Illegal Fishing

According to Novyny.live: In a move to combat poaching, the Ukrainian government has approved a significant increase in fines for illegal fishing, set to take effect in 2026. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine passed Resolution No. 1042, which establishes new penalties ranging from 1,564 to 7,225 Ukrainian hryvnias (UAH) per fish, depending on the species. For serious violations, authorities will also have the power to confiscate fishing equipment. This legislative update is part of broader environmental protection efforts within the country.

Revised Penalty Structure for Fishing Violations

The new regulations outline a tiered system of fines. Minor infractions of fishing rules will result in a warning or a fine of 34 to 170 UAH. More serious breaches carry penalties from 340 to 680 UAH. Manufacturing, storing, advertising, or selling prohibited fishing gear will incur a fine of 1,700 UAH. For violations causing substantial damage, criminal liability applies, with fines from 17,000 to 51,000 UAH. The most severe penalty, up to 85,000 UAH, is reserved for illegal fishing using explosives or poisonous substances.

The specific fines for illegally caught fish vary by species. For example, the penalties per fish are as follows:

• Catfish — 5,117 UAH;
• Crayfish — 3,332 UAH;
• Pike — 3,468 UAH;
• Common carp — 3,706 UAH;
• Zander — 3,587 UAH;
• Perch — 3,162 UAH;
• Trout — 7,225 UAH;
• Bream and white bream — 1,649 UAH each;
• Tench and chub — 1,598 UAH each;
• Bighead carp and grass carp — 3,638 UAH;
• Roach, rudd, and silver bream — 1,564 UAH each;
• Bleak, ziege, silver crucian carp, and common dace — 1,581 UAH each.

These measures aim to enhance accountability among anglers and reduce poaching incidents in Ukraine. The increased fines are a component of the state's strategy to preserve aquatic resources and biodiversity. By imposing stricter financial consequences, the government hopes to encourage more sustainable fishing practices. This policy shift may also influence the popularity of fishing as a pastime, as enthusiasts will need to adhere closely to regulations to avoid substantial penalties.