The visit to Lake Skadar last year was great. Not to enjoy the beauty of this protected area, but to catch fish. Despite thermal cameras on the lake that are supposed to discourage poachers, poaching is still flourishing.
"That poaching is mainly focused on fish there, given that it is about big profits. It is something that has been going on for many years and certainly requires some kind of inter-institutional cooperation, and it is something that must therefore be resolved," said Bojan Zeković from the Center for the Protection and Study of Birds.
To reduce poaching, fisheries inspector Ivan Knežević reacted twenty-three times last year, based on reports from the police and officials of the Skadar Lake National Park.
"On Lake Skadar, I wrote a total of 4.500 euros of misdemeanor warrants, while the total amount of fish that I handed over to the Cadastre and State Property Administration is 300 kilograms," said Knežević.
Zeković emphasizes that, "what we know from practice is that it is much more, so that poaching on the lake is not decreasing".
Zeković adds that the authorities should act urgently because they have a great responsibility.
"It is a national park, in addition to being nationally protected, it is also an internationally protected area, so it is a wetland of international importance, our responsibility goes beyond the borders of Montenegro. Much more needs to be done and in general if we have such a situation of a protected area, it is roughly clear what is happening outside the protected areas. What is missing are certainly reactions, I think the problem is very serious," Zeković said.
In addition to fish, poachers also threaten pelicans and other protected species on Lake Skadar.
Bonus video:
