The Land of the Leopard National Park has organized enhanced protection of spawning rivers

Red fish have entered the rivers of the Land of the Leopard National Park to spawn, becoming a potential target for poachers. State inspectors are blocking attempts to illegally harvest chum salmon - more than 30 people are involved in round-the-clock protection of pristine spawning grounds. This is reported on the national park website.

“Every autumn, the rivers of the Land of the Leopard National Park in the south of Primorye become a breeding ground for masu and chum salmon. The fish makes a long journey from the ocean, leaves precious offspring in protected rivers and dies after procreation. However, there are people who are trying to take advantage of the spawning season and illegally catch red fish during such a vulnerable period for it,” the message says.

Therefore, state inspectors from the “Land of the Leopard” deployed full-scale protection of the rivers. For round-the-clock security, specialists work in shifts and have all-terrain vehicles and watercraft at their disposal.

State inspectors are helped by employees of the border services and Rosrybolovstvo to protect spawning rivers.

“Control and supervisory activities along the riverbeds will continue until the fishing season ends,” the national park noted.

They reminded that illegal catching of spawning fish is a criminal offense. Poaching remains a serious threat to the unique nature of southwestern Primorye. In addition, with their uncontrolled presence in the forest, violators can be a serious factor of concern for animals listed in the Red Book, including the Far Eastern leopard, the rarest large cat in the world.