Ukraine without fish: experts told about the effect of a martial law on fishing in the Sea of ​​Azov

The introduction of a martial law has been the main news topic during recent weeks. Experts believe that it will affect fishing in Ukraine the most, writes “Agro-Center”.

Nowadays, the Sea of ​​Azov generates most of the Ukrainian fish catch. According to experts, stable and safe work on the Sea of ​​Azov is not guaranteed in this situation.

“The Sea of ​​Azov is of great importance for domestic fishing. In 2017, almost 81.9 thousand tons of fish were caught in Ukrainian waters. The share of the Azov and Black Seas accounted for 42.7 thousand tons or 52% of the total catch. 37.5 thousand tons were caught in the Sea of ​​Azov,”

said Oleksandr Chistyakov, Chairman of the Association of Fishermen of Ukraine.

If the protocol on the distribution of fish catch limits in the Sea of ​​Azov is not signed between Ukraine and Russia, each country will set limits itself in those squares where it considers it necessary. Without a strong advantage in the Sea of ​​Azov, only the coastal part may remain for fishing. According to estimates of the Association of Fishermen of Ukraine and the results of last year, catches of Azov fishermen in the five-kilometer coastal part amounted to 1.4 tons of fish. It is only 2.7% of the catch in the Sea of ​​Azov.

“There are 45 fishing vessels operating in the Sea of ​​Azov. If they all fish in the coastal zone, they will catch everything there is in a month so there are not even snails left. It will cause irreparable damage to the Sea of ​​Azov. I don’t know if it will be able to restore itselfwards,”

warns Oleksandr Chistyakov.