The Fish Breeding Service will submit proposals for amending the Code of Administrative Offenses so that the penalties for illegal fishing are toughened up. The Service’s vice director Ion Grati has told IPN that the number of cases of illegal fishing increases every year, while the fines are very small and should be increased.

“The fine for violating the protection regime of the aquatic resources is now 200 to 400 lei, while for violating the fishing rules is 100 to 200 lei. The fine is very small. A kilogram of fish costs almost as much. If the fine is paid within 24 hours, it is halved. The small fines encourage the offenders to further break the law,” stated Ion Grati.

In 2014 the Fish Breeding Service identified 1,428 violations, while in 2013 – 1,282.