Ukraine to Launch Fisheries Police

Ukraine has launched its first fisheries police, Deputy Minister for Agriculture Vladyslava Rutytska reported on her Facebook page [ed.: the text of this Facebook post is in the Ukrainian language]. The fisheries police replaces the previous fishery enforcement unit closed down last year.

The new body will employ 46 officers, including three women. The majority of them have no fisheries law enforcement experience. All the officers won a competitive selection process, as their knowledge of the law as well as weaponry, boating and first aid skills were tested.

The Deputy Minister also reports that the officers will patrol Kyiv Oblast waters 24/7. In particular, their job will be to track wrong-doers and fishing nets.

The police will be equipped with 11 new boats and six drones. Fish inspectors are allowed to carry guns. A total of ₴15 million is to be allocated to launch the pilot project.  

Source: Ukrayinska Pravda