Mykola Tomenko: Civilized Fishing is possible, provided the Authorities and the Public take Common Efforts
Today, a round table discussion "On Enhancement and Implementation of Ukrainian Legislation to prevent Gross Violations of Fishing Rules" was held on the initiative of Mykola Tomenko, Deputy Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, at the Parliament.
Opening the round table discussion, M.Tomenko reminded about the enactment of the Law "On Amendments to certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine regarding Hunting Economy, Hunting and Fishing, Protection, Use and Reproduction of Fauna" on 16 February 2010. On his initiative and with active support of nature-protection public associations, this Law was supplemented with the provisions that enhance criminal responsibility for illegal fishing or hunting (clause 249 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) and specify part 2 of clause 249 regarding use of electric current in fishing.
"Establishment of criminal responsibility for the use of electric current in fishing is a significant step towards fighting poaching. However, a recent study of effect of the Law testifies of more grave problems, therefore other methods shall be employed to guarantee civilized fishing and suspend violations in this field", the Deputy Chairman stressed. First and foremost, he deems necessary to regulate criminal and administrative responsibility for different violations.
Though, M. Tomenko deems it quite obvious that the potential of such structures of power in charge of protection of the environment and fishing are insufficient to secure implementation of the Law. "Unfortunately the given Law is not signed by the President and redirected to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine though it underwent a broad discussion in public and environmental organizations and is upheld by the public", M. Tomenko emphasised. "Moreover such an institution of public inspectors existed till the year 2000", he added and that is why "it is extremely important to persuade the Verkhovna Rada in the necessity to overcome veto of the President of Ukraine and involve the public in the discussion and control for the legislation abidance."
The Deputy Chairman is convinced that an important role in fighting poaching is given to the educating work among the citizens of Ukraine.