In Bashkortostan at Lake Aslykul, inspectors confiscated poaching nets

Two large pike were found caught in illegally set fishing gear. Inspectors freed the fish and released them alive back into the lake.

According to the press service of the Ministry of Ecology of the Republic of Bashkortostan, they immediately reported the discovery to emergency services via 112. Police officers arrived at the scene and seized the nets for further investigation. Inspectors noted that the poachers likely set the gear early that morning, as the nets were still clean and contained very little catch.

Guzel Gilmanova, the head of the park, said the raids are part of the "Environmental Well-being" national project.

The authorities reiterated that using fishing nets in specially protected natural areas is strictly prohibited because it significantly harms fish populations. Surveillance of the lake's waters has since been intensified.