The public enterprise National Parks of Montenegro (NPCG) has started an action to suppress illegal fishing and to raise citizens' awareness of the importance of preserving the fish stock.
At today's meeting in the Administrative Building of the Skadar Lake National Park, it was concluded that the cooperation of all relevant state authorities is a basic prerequisite for an effective fight against poaching in the Skadar Lake NP.
"This marks the beginning of the NPCG campaign "Stop poaching" with the aim of suppressing illegal fishing, but also raising citizens' awareness of the importance of preserving the fish stock and the harm of poaching to the biodiversity and ecosystem of NP Skadarsko jezero," the NPCG press release says.
As it is added, the meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management (MAFSV), the Border Police Service, the Bird Protection and Observation Center (CZIP), the Municipal Police, the non-governmental sector, sports and fishing associations
The NPCG stated that the fishing ban in NP Skadarsko jezero begins on March 15 and will last until May 15.
It is clarified that during that period it is forbidden to catch all types of fish and other aquatic organisms, except eel.
"This is the time when cyprinid (warm water) fish species retreat to the shallower and warmer parts of the lake covered with reeds and lush vegetation due to reproduction, and it is necessary to protect them from hunting and enable unhindered spawning," the announcement states.
NPCG assistant director for control and monitoring Stefan Ivanović and NP Skadar Lake coordinator Tomislav Ukšanović introduced the interlocutors to the problems they face in the field when it comes to the fight against krivlov.
"In the previous two months, we achieved significant results on the ground, and the Protection Service seized a large amount of fish and illegal fishing tools and equipment. We are ready for this fishing ban," said Ukšanović.
Ivanovic added that cooperation with the Podgorica Municipal Police will enable checks on the illegal sale of fish during the bans, which are often sold out of trunks or on the street, but also appealed to the authorities to check restaurants that offer fish during the bans.
He said that this is not the first time they have organized the "Stop poaching" campaign.
"Supervisors are on the ground 24 hours a day and a lot of effort has been put in to provide everything necessary for the action to succeed," Ivanovic said.
He appealed to everyone to do everything within their jurisdiction to prevent illegal activities.
"I also appeal to the fishermen to respect the ban, because we are all on the same task - to preserve the fish stock and natural wealth. Also, we ask citizens to refrain from buying fish that is sold during the ban in off-market sales," Ivanović said.
Fisheries Inspector Ivan Knežević pointed out the problems that supervisors face in the field, stressing that their "hands are tied" and that the performance would be better if they were accompanied by the police.
He announced increased sanctions, which they had already discussed with the police.
Katarina Burzanović, Director General of the Fisheries Directorate of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Science, pointed out that the department coordinates the anti-poaching group, that there are two inspectors in the field, but also that there is a possibility of assistance through funds from the agricultural budget.
She also proposed the creation of an Operational Team in which everyone would have their own role in the fight against poaching.
CZIP representative Bojan Zeković and Border Police representative Miroslav Maraš suggested that the prosecution should be included in the story of the fight against poaching.
Vuk Saičić from the NPCG Control and Monitoring Service also said that it is necessary to form a database with photos and names of poachers, which will be handed over to the competent authorities.
It is stated that through the "Stop Poaching" campaign, the NPCG wants to raise awareness of the importance of preserving Skadar lake NP.
"In this regard, we invite all citizens to report irregularities that they notice in the park to the number 067/000-825," the announcement says.
The NPCG said that citizens can report off-market and illegal fish sales to the Municipal Police at number 067/002-005.
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