The river crayfish population is steadily declining due to the condition of Ukrainian rivers, climate change, and poachers. The seven-month fishing ban should help reduce the impact of at least the latter factor during the crayfish breeding and molting season.
The State Agency for Land Reclamation, Fisheries, and Food Programs announced the start of the fishing restrictions.
Terms of the ban
- During the period from December 15, 2025 to June 30, 2026 crayfish fishing is prohibited in the Kremenchuk, Kyiv, Kaniv, Dnipro, and Kamianske reservoirs.
- During the period from December 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 the ban applies to all other water bodies.
- Throughout the entire year crayfish fishing is prohibited in Zakarpattia. The broad-fingered crayfish, which is the dominant species in the region, is listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.
Protection during the most vulnerable period
At the end of November, when the water temperature is 4-6°C, crayfish begin mating and laying eggs. This is followed by a long period of egg incubation and later the hatching of crayfish larvae. In early summer, when the water warms up to 21-23°C, the young emerge from under the female's abdomen. And only after the first molt, approximately at the end of June, do the young resemble adult crayfish.
During this entire period, the animals are extremely vulnerable. The destruction of one female destroys all of her offspring.
Responsibility for violations
The punishment for catching crayfish ranges from administrative fines to criminal penalties.
The offender must also compensate the state for the damage caused to the fishing industry. This amounts to 3,332 UAH per crayfish caught during the closed season.
“The reduction of their population, which is caused in part by adverse environmental conditions and poaching, negatively affects the overall natural balance of rivers and lakes. Therefore, I appeal to fishermen to remember the importance of responsible treatment of these river dwellers and to comply with the established restrictions,” said the Head of the State Fisheries Agency, Ihor Klymenok.
EcoPolitic previously reported that over 170,000 silver carp fry were released into the Kremenchuk Reservoir. For the first time, the restocking was carried out using funds raised from an auction.
