Commercial fishing in Lake Sevan to be permitted only during daylight hours, Ministry of Environment

The fight against illegal fishing in Lake Sevan is under the daily attention of the Ministry of Environment. The responsible subdivisions and subordinate structures of the Ministry are closely cooperating with other state bodies, departments, and services to provide a comprehensive and systematic solution to the issue.

To this end, the Ministry of Environment has developed and the Government has approved an experimental program aimed at the sustainable management and use of biological resources in Lake Sevan. According to this program, access and exit for recreational facilities for commercial fishing in Lake Sevan will be conducted exclusively from 17 specified sites under the direct and strict supervision of the Ministry's “Sevan” National Park.

Currently, the processes for accepting applications from fishermen are underway according to the new regulations for commercial fishing. The Ministry of Environment urges and calls upon all citizens engaged in commercial fishing to contact the “Sevan” National Park to sign the appropriate contract, obtain necessary documents, and conduct commercial fishing in accordance with the law.

From the start of the experimental program, commercial fishing in Lake Sevan without a proper contract will be considered a violation of law. At this moment, the “Sevan” National Park of the Ministry of Environment is implementing all necessary measures for the equipment and arming of the 17 sites along the shores of Sevan as per legal standards.

In a short timeframe, through public awareness campaigns, the Ministry will provide more detailed information about the start and progress of these works. It should also be noted that, according to the decision, commercial fishing in Lake Sevan will soon be allowed only during daylight hours.

This introduces new tools for monitoring fish catching, which will enable an effective fight against illegal fishing and take significant steps towards the restoration of fish resources in Sevan. It is important to emphasize that the main goal of enforcing the law is not to prohibit or hinder the activities of the local population engaged in fishing, but rather to regulate and systematize the field, allowing for the sustainable and effective management of the biological resources in Lake Sevan, improving and developing the socio-economic conditions of the local population, and effectively combating the illegal activities of individuals or groups operating outside the law.

The sustainable management of biological resources in Lake Sevan is in the interests of both the lake and all citizens of Armenia, as the lake is not only a unique natural monument but also an invaluable object of vital and strategic importance for our country.