The network of Moldovan non-governmental organizations of river keepers Eco-TIRAS informed that vyrezub (Rutilus frisii, or Black Sea roach) - a fish from the Red list of threatened species - is commonly available at markets in the capital.
The fish is available on the Chisinau markets relatively cheaply, for 50 Moldovan leu (2,58 euro) per kilo. Due to the fact that the fines for its fishing and sale are relatively high - 11,250 leu (581 euro), the sellers in the markets pretend that vyrozub is another species - asp.
"Unfortunately, the law is poorly observed in our country that wants to integrate into Europe,” says Ilya Trombitsky, chairman of Eco-TIRAS network. “Commercial fishing has been banned in Moldova's natural reservoirs and rivers for several years. Currently, there are pressure groups actively lobbying for its renewal, and recently established Institute of Ichthyology under the ministry of environment has been excluded from the discussion. The new government and officials probably don't even know about its existence. The resumption of industrial fishing will also help poaching, which is growing in an unprecedented rate today," Trombitsky adds.
Photo: Ilya Trombitsky
