In the Saykhunabad district of Uzbekistan's Syrdarya region, two individuals were caught illegally catching 46 fish using prohibited electric fishing gear. The violation was uncovered by officers from the State Environmental Control Inspectorate in collaboration with regional units.

The poachers operated in the "Shurazak" canal within the "Farovon" neighborhood, utilizing an electric fishing rod. Authorities confiscated the caught fish along with the equipment used, including a boat, oars, a battery, a pump, and the fishing rod.

Their actions contravene Uzbekistan's laws "On Hunting and Hunting Economy", "On the Protection and Use of Wildlife", and "On Nature Protection". The total environmental damage has been assessed at 519 million 120 thousand soums (approximately $41,000 USD).

The collected evidence has been forwarded to the Syrdarya Regional Prosecutor's Office for legal evaluation and appropriate action. Uzbekistan enforces seasonal fishing restrictions; for instance, fishing is banned in the Amudarya and Syrdarya rivers from March 11 to May 31.

This incident highlights ongoing challenges in protecting natural resources and combating environmental violations in Uzbekistan. Strengthening enforcement and public awareness are critical to addressing such illegal activities that threaten local ecosystems.

Source: podrobno.uz