Officials launch Curonian Lagoon commercial fishing inspections

Lithuania’s Environmental Protection Department will conduct intensified inspections of commercial fishing operations in the Curonian Lagoon from August 3 to 16, LRT reported.

Officials will check fishing companies’ logs, catches and equipment, as well as whether operators are complying with the prescribed fishing regime. Particular attention will be paid to fishing during hours of darkness, when nets must be set and removed on time.

The department reminded fishers that from July 16 to August 31, set nets with mesh sizes of 70 to 80 millimetres may be used only during hours of darkness. Fishing may begin no earlier than two hours before sunset and must end by 9 a.m.

Fishing is considered to have begun when equipment is set or checked, and to have ended when the equipment has been removed or checked and the vessel reaches the fish unloading site.

Additional restrictions are in force from July 15 to October 31. Set nets, large-mesh nets and marine traps are prohibited within two kilometres of the eastern shore of the Curonian Lagoon between Klaipėda and the left bank of the Atmata River. The same restrictions apply in fishing sectors 6 to 12, located between the lagoon’s western shore and the fairway.

Violations of commercial fishing rules may result in administrative penalties. Fines can reach 350 euros, while serious violations can incur fines of up to 1,750 euros.