Fishing Bans and Fines Up to 34,000 UAH Take Effect in Ukraine Starting April 1.

Spring-Summer Spawning Restrictions on Fishing in Ukraine

According to Novyny.live: Starting April 1, 2026, Ukraine enforces a spring-summer fishing ban during the spawning season. This measure, which will last until June 30 across most rivers and ponds, is designed to protect fish populations while they reproduce.

The restrictions apply not only to public waters but also include specific dates for certain bodies of water. For instance:

• the Khadzhibey Estuary,
• the Kuchurhan Reservoir,
• the Dniester River and its floodplain lakes

will observe the ban from April 15 to June 15. Meanwhile, the Dniester Estuary will be off-limits to fishing until July 31.

Ihor Klymenok, head of the State Fisheries Agency, emphasized that fish are especially vulnerable during spawning, making it crucial to avoid disturbing them and to follow the regulations.

Violating the spawning ban carries substantial penalties:

• individuals face fines ranging from 340 to 680 hryvnias,
• officials may be fined between 850 and 1,700 hryvnias,
• and legal entities could be charged from 17,000 to 34,000 hryvnias.

In addition, the Odesa region imposes an annual ban on catching crayfish from late winter through summer, further supporting the conservation of aquatic bioresources. Adhering to these rules is a vital step in preserving ecosystems and sustaining Ukraine’s fisheries.

Enforcing spawning bans is a key strategy for safeguarding biodiversity and restoring fish stocks in Ukrainian waters. These efforts aim to promote sustainable fishing and ecological balance, which are essential for the future of the fishing industry. Moreover, the severity of the fines underscores the government’s commitment to protecting water resources.