News
The Department of Environmental Supervision identified a Case of Poaching in Samegrelo
Employees of the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Regional Division of the Department of Environmental Supervision of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture identified the violation in Khobi Municipality.
In a canal located in the Okros Satsmisis district of the village of Torsa-Dghvaba, citizens illegally caught carp and crucian carp using an electric fishing device.
Fishing with an electrofishing device constitutes a criminal offence. The case materials have been forwarded to the relevant authority for further action.
Electric fishing devices pose a threat to human life and health. The manufacture, purchase, possession, carrying, transport, shipment, or sale of such devices is punishable by law.
Combating poaching remains a top priority for the Environmental Supervision Department. The patrol crews of the Department of Environmental Supervision conduct continuous 24-hour monitoring nationwide to ensure the timely prevention, detection, and suppression of illegal fishing, hunting, and other environmental violations. In addition, they provide immediate responses to all reports received through the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture’s hotline (153). As part of the fight against poaching, the Department, including the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Regional Division, actively uses modern technological and watercraft resources. As a result, the fight against poaching has become even more extensive and effective. During the first eight months of this year, Department employees identified 412 cases of violations of fishing regulations and illegal fishing across the country, 213 of which contained signs of a criminal offense. A total of 51 violations were identified within the area of operation of the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Regional Division.
