Russia's ban on catching Caspian roach in Caspian Sea extended

The Russian Agriculture Ministry has extended the ban on catching Caspian roach for industrial and private purposes in the Caspian Sea and waters in the Astrakhan region until December 2026.

"Industrial and private fishing of Caspian roach, with the exception of bycatch authorized in accordance with fishing regulations, in the Caspian Sea, waters in the Kalmykia Republic and the Volga River and its streams in the Astrakhan region is to be prohibited until December 31, 2026," the document reads.

The ministry's order also extends a ban on catching common roach in seven districts of the Astrakhan region until the end of next year, as well as the ban on using certain types of fishing tackle.

The order will come into force on January 1, 2026.

Catching pike in the Volga River and streams in Kalmykia and the Astrakhan region will also be prohibited from December 11, 2025 until February 15, 2026.