Starting April 1, industrial fishing and the harvesting of other aquatic bioresources will be prohibited in the inland water bodies of Azerbaijan. The seasonal ban is implemented to protect fish populations during the critical spawning period.
The Operative Information Center-OMM, citing the Ministry of Agriculture, reports that the restrictions are based on the "Rules for Hunting Fish and Other Aquatic Bioresources" approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on June 2, 2017. The prohibition applies specifically to the Kura River, Lake Sarisu, and the Mingachevir, Shamkir, Araz, and Yenikend reservoirs. Commercial fishing activities in these designated areas are scheduled to resume after September 1 for individuals and entities holding valid fishing permits.
Under current legislation, sport and amateur fishing do not require a specific license and may continue provided they comply with established environmental regulations. Azerbaijani authorities have warned that individuals found violating the ban or engaging in illegal poaching will face strict legal accountability under the Code of Administrative Offenses and the Criminal Code. These measures are part of Azerbaijan's ongoing efforts to ensure the sustainable management of its natural resources and the preservation of biodiversity in its national waterways.
