Illegal fishing in Zarafshan river results in 130 million soums environmental loss

Illegal fishing in the Zarafshan River caused more than 130 million soums in environmental damage, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change reported.

According to the ministry, the regional department of ecology in Samarkand, the Pakhtachi district ecology department, and the district internal affairs office conducted a nighttime inspection.

During the raid, four individuals were found fishing illegally in the Zarafshan River and loading the catch onto a vehicle. The violators attempted to hide in the riverbank, but were apprehended by inspectors.

Evidence collected included 105 fish of six different species, fishing gear, and two inflatable boats. The vehicle used was impounded and placed at the fine enforcement site.

’’The violators caused environmental damage totaling 130,149,000 soums. Documentation of the case is being sent to law enforcement authorities for legal assessment,’’ the ministry stated.

It is worth noting that earlier, illegal fishing resulted in 37 fish being caught, causing 350 million soums in damage to wildlife in the Syrdarya river.