The ban on fishing and other aquatic organisms during their breeding period in Bulgaria is now in effect, the press center of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food announced today.
It is introduced annually by order of the Minister of Agriculture and Food, in agreement with the Minister of Environment and Water. The aim is to ensure favorable conditions for the natural reproduction of fish.
The ban covers:
- Black Sea
- Danube River
- Inland water bodies in the country
Specific deadlines for 2026:
- Karagyoz (Danube mackerel) - ban from May 1 to May 31 (inclusive) in the Danube River.
- Goby - from April 15 to May 15 (in the Black Sea, with net fishing gear).
- Turbot - from April 15 to June 15 (prohibited all fishing activities, as well as retention, unloading and sale).
- Other spring-summer spawning fish:
- water bodies up to 500 meters above sea level - from April 15 to May 31.
- water bodies above 500 meters above sea level - from May 1 to June 15.
- Zander, pike and asp (with net fishing gear) - ban until May 31 in the Danube River.
The water bodies in which amateur fishing is allowed during the ban period are also determined. A list of water bodies open to fishing by region has been published.
Since the beginning of March, the Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW) has started the work of the Coordination Unit "Policies for the Sea" for more effective management of the processes related to the Black Sea.