From August 15 to September 30, 2025, a ban on catching river crayfish during the molting period will be in effect in fishery water bodies (parts thereof) of Donetsk Oblast.
In order to preserve and protect the crayfish population during the molting period and taking into account the Scientific and Biological Substantiation of the timing of the ban on fishing for river crayfish in fishery water bodies (their parts) for the period of their second molting in 2025, the Donetsk region approved the molting period for river crayfish, during which fishing for crayfish in fishery water bodies (their parts) of the Donetsk region is prohibited. This ban will last from August 15 to September 30, 2025.
River crayfish are not only a valuable food product, but also an important part of the ecosystem. They act as a "sanitation" of water bodies, eating organic residues and cleaning the bottom. The decline in their population negatively affects the ecological balance of rivers and lakes, and they are most vulnerable during their second molt.
The process of molting occurs in the open air, and crayfish shed not only their shell but also the chitinous membrane of their eyes and gills, so they are the least protected during this period of their development.
The unfavorable environmental situation and poaching are leading to a decrease in natural reserves of river crayfish, so the crayfish fishing between August 15 and September 30, 2025, is punishable by an administrative fine to criminal liability, as well as compensation for damages to the fishery. The compensation for one illegally caught crayfish is UAH 3,332.
Fishermen should remember to be responsible for catching river crayfish and adhere to the established restrictions during this period.
The order of the Department of the State Agency for the Development of Land Reclamation, Fisheries and Food Programs in Donetsk Oblast is available here: https://dn.darg.gov.ua/files/1/NAKAZ%20110%20zaborona%20vilovu.pdf