DOC // Fishing temporarily banned on Naslavcea–Dubasari sector of Dniester River

The environmental authorities of Moldova have ruled to temporarily restrict the right to fish on a significant portion of the Dniester River, as a precautionary measure to protect public health and the environment. The decision concerns the sector between the village of Naslavcea and the Dubasari reservoir and was taken in the context of water pollution risks.

The measure is set out in an order issued on March 13, 2026 by the Environment Agency, an institution subordinated to Moldova’s Environment Ministry. The document stipulates that sport, recreational and amateur fishing is restricted in this area for the period from March 13 to April 1, 2026.

According to the order, the restriction was introduced on the basis of legislation regarding fishery resources, fishing and aquaculture, as well as in line with the responsibilities of the Environment Agency. The authorities say that the decision aims to prevent potential risks to human health, given that the quality of the Dniester’s water is being monitored, in the context of recent pollution incidents.

Thus, to avoid any danger, the authorities decided to temporarily suspend fishing in the specified sector until the situation is fully clarified and conditions in the aquatic ecosystem are stabilized.

The compliance with the provisions of the order will be monitored by the Environmental Protection Inspectorate, the institution in charge of enforcing the environmental legislation. Inspectors will check activities carried out on the banks and along the course of the river in the targeted area, in order to ensure that the ban is being observed.

The authorities warn that failure to comply with the imposed restrictions will result in liability in accordance with current legislation.

Through this decision, the authorities seek to reduce any potential risk to the population and to enable close monitoring of the ecological situation in the Dniester River area, in the context of recent developments regarding water quality.