From February 15 to March 31, 2024, a ban on catching pike in all fishery water bodies will come into force in Ukraine. This measure is designed to protect the population of this fish species during the spawning period, the Ministry of Agricultural Policy informs, ProAgro Group reports.

Pike is one of the few fish whose spawning begins at a water temperature of 3-5°C, which is significantly lower than in most other fish species. This makes it very vulnerable during the spawning period, when spawning activity is extremely important for the restoration of its population.

The ban on catching pike will apply not only during spawning, but also in the pre-spawning period. Pike undergo mass migrations, during which caviar ripens in females and milk in males. This is a critical time for its spawners, when they become particularly vulnerable to capture. Therefore, the ban applies to the period of pre-spawning activity and directly to spawning.

In addition to protecting the population, such a ban also contributes to maintaining the ecological balance in aquatic ecosystems. Given the importance of pike as one of the key predators in water bodies, its spawning period is of particular importance for maintaining the health of the ecosystem.

Severe fines and penalties are provided for violating the ban on catching pike. In particular, violators may be held administratively or criminally liable. In addition, compensation for damages is provided for each illegally caught specimen of pike, which amounts to UAH 3,468.

Therefore, fishermen should be careful, even if a pike accidentally gets hooked while fishing for other species of fish. In this case, it is important not to catch it, but to carefully remove it and release it back into the reservoir to avoid disturbance and contribute to the conservation of the species.