Authorities step up patrols to curb illegal fishing at Lake Doirani during spawning season
Greek authorities are intensifying efforts to prevent illegal fishing at Lake Doirani, a transboundary lake shared by Greece and North Macedonia, during the critical fish spawning season.
From April 14 to May 14, coordinated patrols using drones, thermal cameras, and ground teams will be carried out to protect the lake’s delicate ecosystem.
Police officers, border guards, teams from the Natural Environment and Climate Change Organization (OFYPEKA), forest rangers, hunting wardens, and even licensed local fishermen will take part in the initiative on the Greek side of the lake, located 75 kilometers (47 miles) north of Thessaloniki.
The enhanced surveillance measures aim to deter individuals who defy the seasonal fishing ban and often engage in nighttime poaching using flashlights and lamps, Deputy Regional Governor of Kilkis Andreas Vergidis told the state-run Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA).
“This is a serious issue we face every year,” Vergidis said, emphasizing that the ban is crucial for preserving fish populations, including carp, perch, and catfish. “The preservation of fish roe is vital for the regeneration of these species.”
The Greek side of Lake Doirani is part of a designated Natura 2000 protected area, where nine licensed fishermen operate under strict environmental regulations. In contrast, the North Macedonian side lacks similar protections, as the country is not an EU member – posing ongoing cross-border conservation challenges.
The new measures were finalized during a meeting held Thursday at the Kilkis administrative headquarters, following consultations between the foreign ministries of Greece and North Macedonia.
Officials stressed that protecting the lake is not only vital for the ecosystem but also for the livelihoods of local communities that depend on sustainable fishing practices.
Kathimerini
