IARA raid near Varna: Poachers caught with half a ton of mussels

25.07.2026 | Crime News

IARA officers seized two boats with 500 kg of illegally harvested black mussels near Varna. Minister Plamen Abrovski warned of serious hygiene risks associated with their consumption.

Снимка от Ryan Hodnett, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Large-scale operation against illegal mussel harvesting near Varna

Early this morning, officials from the Executive Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture (EAFA) conducted a successful specialized operation in the Varna area. As a result of the operation, two poaching boats carrying over 500 kilograms of black mussels were seized.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Plamen Abrovski confirmed the information during his visit to the coastal city.

Why is the catch dangerous?

Minister Abrovski clarified that the poaching boats were detected near the two canals outside Varna. He categorically emphasized that harvesting black mussels in these zones is strictly prohibited. The main reason for the ban is serious hygiene concerns, as the mollusks in these waters can be dangerous to human health.