National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

According to the case materials, inspectors from the Tashkent Regional Department of Ecology and Climate Change detected  the illegal catching of 22 fish using electric current during a nighttime inspection at the reservoir. The violation caused environmental damage estimated at 165 million sums, after which the case materials were transferred to the relevant authorities.

Following the court proceedings, the two offenders were found guilty under Part 4 of Article 202 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Citizen Sh.S. was sentenced to 3 years and 9 months in prison, while Sh.S. received a 4-year prison sentence. The court also ordered compensation for the environmental damage caused.

For reference: a seasonal fishing ban is currently in effect in Uzbekistan. Fishing is prohibited from March 11 to May 31 in the Amudarya and Syrdarya rivers, from April 26 to June 10 in the natural water bodies of the Republic of Karakalpakstan and Khorezm Region and from April 16 to May 31 in all other natural water bodies across the country.

The State Environmental Control Inspectorate of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, together with its regional departments, continues round-the-clock inspection raids aimed at preventing illegal fishing. Violations during the prohibited period entail strict legal liability.