Assessment
On Friday, September 1st, the Environmental Protection Department’s campaign “Saugom lašiša” begins, which aims to ensure the protection of salmon and smolts in their migration and spawning areas. At the same time, the department reminds of an important rule – from September 1. until October 15 all salmon and smolt caught must be released back into the water body. The opportunity to take caught salmon or smolt will remain only after the spawning of these fish – from January 1. until April 30
“During the campaign, we environmentalists aim not only to find out the offenders, but also pay great attention to educational measures. The public will be provided with up-to-date information on fishing rules, important fishing restrictions, prohibitions and requirements during salmon and smolt migration. Residents and persons in fishing areas will be consulted about environmentally responsible behavior,” says Mantė Ramanauskienė, director of the Department of Wildlife Protection.
As the environmentalist points out, if before fishing, individuals have questions about the requirements of legal acts, we always invite you to check: you can consult the department’s general consultation telephone number 87000 2022, and the most relevant information for fishermen can also be found in the fishing guide prepared by the department in memory.
During the campaign, special attention will be paid to salmon rivers: the coast of the Baltic Sea, the Curonian Lagoon, the Nemunas delta region, the Šventoji (coastal), Nemunas, Minija, Jūra, Dubysa, Neris, Šventoji, Žeimena, Siesartie, Vilnelė, Vokė rivers and their tributaries. Approaches and roads to these water bodies will also be checked.
Raids will be organized in the country, regular control of commercial fishing will continue and recreational fishermen will be checked. The officers will stop and check, especially in the dark, the vehicles of persons who are suspected of violating the legislation regulating fishing. During the campaign, the focus will be on clarifying gross fishing violations.
If necessary, environmentalists will use part-time environmental protection inspectors for help, and important information will also be exchanged in cooperation with non-governmental organizations.
Environmentalists remind that last year 543 raids were carried out during this campaign. During the promotion period, 247 violations of recreational fishing rules (160 of them serious), 5 violations of commercial fishing and 109 other types of violations were detected. Officers also seized 382 tools: 100 recreational fishing gear, 282 recreational fishing gear and 6 watercraft.
Why restrictions are in place to preserve salmon and smelt stocks
The death of a female salmon or smolt during migration or spawning can severely reduce the population of these fish. During migration, these fish encounter many obstacles, such as dams, hydroelectric plants. Salmon are very vulnerable when protecting their spawning grounds because they tend not to leave it. Important dates for salmon and zander fishing
September 1 – October 15 fishermen must follow the “catch-release” principle, and if a salmon or smolt is caught during this period, it must be released back into the water body. September 16 – October 15 Rules for amateur fishing in inland waters in Annex 3 in the sections of the specified rivers, it is mandatory to have an amateur fisherman’s card for salmon and zander fishing, regardless of the method and the type of fish fished. From September 16 it is prohibited to fish at the mouths of the main tributaries of the Neris, Šventoji, Jūra and Minija, as stipulated in the rules for amateur fishing in inland waters in Annex 5. July 1 – December 1 There is a ban on fishing for salmon in the important sections of the Nemunas, specified in the rules of amateur fishing in inland waters in Annex 6. Responsibility
In salmon and slag fishing using electric or ultrasonic devices, criminal liability is provided – a fine, or restriction of freedom, or arrest, or deprivation of liberty for up to 2 years. The use of prohibited fishing gear or prohibited methods in salmon and smolt fishing is punishable by a fine of up to 300 euros with confiscation of the tools and means of committing the violation. Violating the limited fishing measures for salmon and pike is punishable by a fine of up to 550 euros with the confiscation of the tools and equipment used to commit the violation. A base rate of EUR 970 is applied for the calculation of damages for illegally caught salmon or smolt. The amount of compensation for the damage caused in the water bodies of nature reserves or ichthyological reserves is calculated by applying three times the base rate for calculating the damage caused to fish. We remind you that you can report observed violations by calling the emergency services at 112. You can also send captured photos or video footage of the violation by e-mail. by post[emailprotected].
If you have any questions, the specialists of the Department of Environmental Protection will advise you by phone at 8 700 02022 or by e-mail. by post [emailprotected].
Information from the Department of Environmental Protection
