Since the beginning of the year, Ukraine has lost 50 million because of poachers

Because of poaching, Ukraine is losing 50 million hryvnia this year.

This was reported on June 11, 2015 by the head of the State Agency of Fisheries Yarema Kovaliv during the meeting of the agency college, the press service of the Agriculture Ministry informs.

"According to official statistics, from January to May 2015, 17,490 offenses were recorded in Ukraine, including 9,026 during the spawning period, namely 4,108 cases – in April, and 4,918 cases – in May," – it is said in the press release.

According to official data, 93.628 thousand kg of fish worth 5.614 million hryvnia was seized from poachers.

However, the head of the State Agency of Fisheries noted that the official figures do not reflect reality.

"The above figures of losses from poaching and other violations are just statistics made for show. The actual damage caused to the state is much more and, according to experts, amounts to 50 million hryvnia," – he said.

Kovaliv said that employees of regional fish protection offices are still involved in shady schemes.

The head of the State Agency of Fisheries said that a comprehensive reform of the fishing industry would be presented by the end of July.

"Thus, one of its sections – "Effective supervision and control" – provides for reform of the fish protection body. As part of the reform, the body will be reorganized, its employees will undergo special training, certification, salary will be increased", – the press-service informed.

Ekonomichna Pravda