06 July 2011, 17:49
Mykola Tomenko: Authorities should protect the Fishermen, not the Poachers
A round table discussion "Implementation of the Law of Ukraine "On Fauna" (re Strengthening of Poaching Counteraction)" was held on the initiative of Mykola Tomenko, Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, at the parliament on Wednesday.
Opening the round table discussion, M. Tomenko reminded that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the Law on amendments to the Law "On Fauna" (re strengthening of poaching counteraction). The Law prohibits manufacture, sale and use of poaching tools, and import of traps, electric fishing systems (electric fishing rods) and synthetic nets in Ukraine. The Law supplements the applicable Law with a new clause 52-1 "Prohibited Tools for Animal Catch" that "prohibits manufacture, sale and use of poisonous and anaesthetic agents, barbed, leadening and trap-like tools of catching, electric fishing systems (electric fishing rod), explosives, bird lime and synthetic nets." The Cabinet of Ministers ratifies the exhaustive list of prohibited tools and the procedure of their confiscation. The Law also supplements Clause 53 of the Law "On Fauna" with provisions prohibiting import of traps, electric fishing systems (electric fishing rods) and synthetic nets. The Law came into effect a month ago.
M. Tomenko emphasized that the parliament has the control function only, as it monitors and offers information support of the Law. The rest is the authority of the supervising bodies and local self-government.
The Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada also stressed that adoption of the Law is a serious step, although the situation has not changed yet.
Further to the discussion, the participants decided to exert efforts to fight poaching. Namely, the Deputy Chairman deems necessary to assist the customs in controlling the import of poaching tools to Ukraine. Moreover, sale of poaching tools, such as electric fishing systems (electric fishing rods), should be stopped, especially online.
Summing up the discussion, M. Tomenko stressed, "If the authorities do not observe and implement the Law in the coming months, its destiny will be the same as of the most prohibitive laws it will be ignored."