The compensation for damage caused by illegal fishing will be higher. A bill to this effect was given a first reading by Parliament, IPN reports.

The legislative proposal was submitted by the head of the commission on environment and regional development, BCS MP Elena Bodnarenco. She said the goal of such a law is to make the punishment for violations of the environmental legislation harsher. The MP noted that illegally caught fish, including rare species added to the Red Book, are sold at the municipal markets.

The document stipulates 52 fish species. The compensation will vary between 1,500 lei and 15,000 lei and will be paid for each type of fish, regardless of size. Currently, the fine for illegal fishing is 50 to 5,000 lei.

The bill is to be given a final reading.