Stronger penalties imposed to stop illegal fishing
By Sara Israfilbayova
Stronger penalties and strict control are seen as the best solution to the problem of illegal and unregulated fishing.
Thus, the fine for illegal catching of fish and other water animals has been increased by 20 times following the amendments made to the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan.
The amendment was made to the Article 256.1 [Illegal catching of a fish and other water animals] of the Criminal Code.
The illegal catching of a fish or other water animals, causing damage in the significant size [the sum starting from 400 manats ($235) up to 1,000 manats ($587)] is punished by the penalty at a rate from 2,000 ($1,175) up to 3,000 ($1,762) manats, according to the change.
If the same act is committed, causing damage in the larger amount [over 1,000 manats ($587)] , by using self-propelled transport means or explosive and chemical substances, or means of mass destruction of a fish or other water animals on territory of reserve, or on zone of an extreme or dangerous ecological situation, it is punished by the penalty at a rate from 100 ($58) up to 1,000 manats ($587), or corrective works for the term up to 1 year, or imprisonment for the term up to 2 years.
If these acts committed by a person with use of the service position or on preliminary arrangement by group of persons or by organized group, it is punished by the penalty at a rate from 1,000 ($587) up to 2,000 manats ($1,175), or with imprisonment for the term from 2 up to 5 years with deprivation of the right to hold the certain posts or to engage in the certain activities for the term up to 3 years.
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