Heavier fines for illegal fishing

The fines for illegal fishing are expected to rise. Also, jail terms may be instituted for poaching. A legislative initiative in this respect was submitted by Democratic MPs Dumitru Diacov and Adrian Candu. The lawmakers propose including a new article in the Criminal Code, concerning the combating of illegal fishing. According to the MPs, there were reports that fishing nets started to be extensively used on rivers, Info-Prim Neo reports. The proposed fines vary between 4,000 and 60,000 lei for illegal fishing in banned periods and in banned areas, using such prohibited means as electrical power, explosive or poisonous substances. The private individuals will be also liable to 180 to 240 hours of community service, or up to three years in jail. According to the Piscicultural Service, the cases of poaching increased in number, but the used combating measures are not effective. The fines of 100 lei and up are small compared with the damage caused by fishing illegally.