Confiscated fishing gear, motorcycles, and a haul of fish are displayed by forest police after four individuals were arrested for illegal fishing in Sulaymaniyah's Bassara stream, in violation of a seasonal fishing ban.
Sulaymaniyah
Four arrested for illegal fishing in Chamchamal during seasonal ban
SULAYMANIYAH — Despite a regional fishing ban, four people were arrested for illegally fishing in the Basarra stream in Chamchamal district, Sulaymaniyah governorate, according to the Kurdistan Region’s Forest and Environment Police Directorate.
A patrol from the Takya forest police unit carried out the operation, seizing illegal fishing equipment and detaining four civilians found in the act. Authorities confiscated three fishing nets, 20 fish and two motorcycles.
“Investigation procedures have been initiated and the individuals were handed over to the court,” the directorate said in a statement.
The arrests come amid a seasonal fishing ban declared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, in effect from March 10 to June 20, 2025. The ministry said the ban aims to protect aquatic life during the annual spawning season.