What is an electric fishing device? Modern electric fishing installations used by poachers, despite their imposing name, look quite modest.
As a rule, it is a small box with a step-up pulse voltage converter from 12-24 V to 300-800 V. A compact battery is usually used as a power source. A landing net with a metal head is connected to the electric fishing device, which serves as the fishing tool. The second electrode, in the form of an exposed wire, is lowered directly into the water at some distance from the net. Fishing is typically carried out from a boat, with two poachers usually involved. One of them scoops out the fish stunned by the powerful electromagnetic field from the water, while the second maneuvers the boat with oars.
What harm does an electric fishing device cause to fish? Under the influence of the pulsed electromagnetic field, fish are "stunned" and disoriented in space, at which point poachers catch them. In doing so, "electricians" literally wipe out all living creatures in the water body, and a huge amount of fish dies and sinks to the bottom. Not only ichthyofauna but also other aquatic organisms suffer. Moreover, even if a fish manages to escape the influence of the electromagnetic field, it does not go unnoticed by its organism. The powerful electric field has a detrimental effect on the reproductive capacity of fish, sterilizing them. Poachers using electric fishing devices cause particular harm during the spawning season; they destroy not only the fish but also all the eggs they have laid.
Why is it difficult to apprehend poachers using electric fishing devices? The compactness of the electric fishing installation creates numerous problems in combating this type of poaching. In case of danger, poachers immediately discard the electric fishing device and the caught fish overboard, trying to appear before inspectors as ordinary amateur anglers peacefully fishing at dusk. Therefore, State Inspectorate officers have to keep pace with the times; during raids, modern means of observation and video recording are used, and camera traps are installed in "hot" spots. A hotline is constantly operational to receive signals from the public about instances of illegal fish harvesting. Sooner or later, the "electricians" do fall into the hands of inspectors.
Liability for the use of electric fishing gear? Hundreds of articles have been written about the harm caused by the use of electric fishing gear for catching fish. It is hard to believe that poachers are unaware of this, and the fishing method itself is quite technological and requires certain knowledge and preparation. The legislator has taken these facts into account and has tried to punish lovers of electric fishing as severely as possible. According to Article 16.26 of the Code of Administrative Offences, poachers face a fine of up to 30 basic units with confiscation of illegal fishing gear for storing electric fishing installations. Similar liability is provided for their accomplices involved in the illegal manufacture and sale of electric fishing gear. For individual entrepreneurs and legal entities, the fine will be up to 200 and up to 500 basic units, respectively. If caught red-handed at a reservoir, according to Part 4 of Article 281 of the Criminal Code, poachers using electric fishing gear are subject to criminal liability and may be imprisoned for up to 6 years. In addition, poachers will have to pay a huge fine and compensate for the damage caused to nature in a fivefold amount.
If you witness illegal fishing using electric fishing gear, do not remain indifferent, report the incident by calling one of the following numbers:
+375 29 291-42-55
+375 33 370-69-57
+375 33 625-88-46
+375 29 715-11-73
Protect nature…..