From November 15, 2024, to January 20, 2025, during the Whitefish spawning season in Lake Sevan, the Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body (EPMIB), together with the Ministries of Environment, Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Internal Affairs, the Gegharkunik Regional Administration, the Food Safety Inspection Body, and the Yerevan City Municipality, carried out measures to protect the sturgeon species.
As a result of intensified round-the-clock measures, the following were detected and seized:
The estimated damage amounted to AMD 12,844,540. Authorities initiated 72 administrative and 25 criminal proceedings.
Seized fish, after proper examination, were handed over to centers for individuals in need of special care and organizations engaged in animal care. Unfit fish were destroyed in accordance with established procedures.