Hundreds of violations found, environmental damage exceeds 17,000 euros

Lithuania's environmental protection officers have concluded a three-month campaign, "Protect the Pike," which targeted illegal fishing activities. During the operation, officers conducted raids, inspected traders at marketplaces, and monitored online advertisements and social media to gather information on the possession and distribution of prohibited fishing gear.

The campaign identified hundreds of violations, with the most serious offenses involving illegal pike fishing during the closed season or the use of banned fishing tools. Authorities reported 39 such cases, noting that these severe violations constituted 20% of all offenses recorded this year.

Environmental officers confiscated 71 non-amateur fishing tools, 68 amateur fishing tools, and five other devices from offenders. Additionally, 266 vehicles were inspected, and two watercraft and two vehicles were confiscated. The total environmental damage is estimated to exceed 17,000 euros.