Poacher caused 3 million damage to the fishery of Mykolaiv region

On September 19, 2025, during a fishery protection raid near the village of Buzke on the Southern Bug River, a violator was detained. The man illegally caught 891 specimens of river crayfish using lights in the dark. The size of the caught crayfish ranged from 6 to 13 centimeters. By his actions, the offender grossly violated the rules of recreational fishing.

This was reported by the Mykolaiv Fisheries Patrol.

By his actions, the poacher caused damage to the fishery in the amount of UAH 2,998,812. The inspectors drew up a report on an administrative offense under Article 85, Part 4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses. In addition, an investigative team was called to the scene. They registered the incident in the URPTI and are now deciding whether to initiate criminal proceedings under Article 249 (1) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The offender's spearfishing suit, mask and flashlight were seized. In accordance with Article 63 of the Law of Ukraine 'On Wildlife', all 891 crayfish were released back into the river.

However, as noted in the legislation and court practice, the return of animals to the environment does not relieve liability. The mechanical damage that crayfish received during capture significantly reduces their viability. This can lead to their further death, which, in turn, will lead to a decrease in the population and deterioration of the sanitary condition of the reservoir due to decay.

Earlier, poachers with a million-dollar catch were detained in Mykolaiv region. The incident occurred on March 12 in the evening while patrolling the coastline of the Ingul River within the city. Inspectors from the water police unit of the Mykolaiv district police department, together with a state inspector of the fisheries patrol, found two men who were illegally fishing for freshwater fish using nets and a rubber boat.

Катерина Глушко