95 Illegal Crayfish Traps and 41 Fishing Nets Removed from Lake Sevan

On January 19, the special task force of the "Sevan" National Park conducted monitoring activities that led to the removal and confiscation of 95 illegal crayfish traps and 41 fishing nets from the lake.

According to Article 88 of the Administrative Violations Code of the Republic of Armenia, violations of rules for the protection of animal resources, including fish, fishing practices, and other types of exploitation of wildlife, can result in fines ranging from seventy to one hundred and forty times the minimum wage for individuals, while officials may face fines between one hundred and up to two hundred times the minimum wage. This also includes the confiscation of personal weapons, hunting tools, and other objects and animals that are deemed to be used for the violations.

Serious violations of hunting regulations (hunting without permission, in prohibited areas, during banned times, or with prohibited tools or methods) and frequent breaches of the other hunting rules may lead to fines for citizens ranging from one hundred and fifty to two hundred and fifty times the minimum wage, while officials may face fines from one hundred and seventy times to two hundred and fifty times the minimum wage. Confiscation of personal property such as weapons and hunting tools, as well as other items and animals used for the violations, may also occur, along with the revocation of hunting rights for a period of up to 3 years.

It is also noteworthy that monitoring activities will continue on a regular basis.