Cleaning and protection of water basins in Azerbaijan, prevention of depletion of biodiversity in waters are among the constitutional duties of every member of society. Recently, this issue has become very important.
The Globalized World Integration Public Union with the support of the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan implements the project “Monitoring of a number of water basins of the country and their biodiversity”. The purpose of the project is to help maintain and protect water basins in Azerbaijan, protect biodiversity in waters, restore control over water resources in Karabakh, maintain the beauty of nature and the cleanliness of the environment, and increase the attractiveness of the country in terms of tourism, especially ecotourism. Within the framework of the project, the opinions and proposals related to the topic are learned from experts in the field, public associations and social activists. Our interlocutor on the topic is Mehdi Mehdiyev, the deputy chairman for internal affairs of the Baku Fishermen and Underwater Hunters Club.
-Mr. Mehdi, which regions of Azerbaijan do you consider more favorable for fishing tourism?
– The Caspian Sea coast, Turkan, Zira, Shikh in the territory of Baku can be considered favorable from the point of view of amateur or sport fishing, as well as fishing tourism. I would also add the Garadagh region here. Among the regions, basins such as Lankaran’s Caspian coast and Khanbulan lake, as well as Mingachevir reservoir and Shamkir reservoir can be considered suitable from this point of view.
-The issue of protecting water resources and their bioresources is becoming more and more urgent in Azerbaijan. How do you assess the situation in this field?
– Looking at the recent past, yes, the situation in this area is becoming more relevant. In general, a lot of work needs to be done to protect water bodies and their bioresources in our country. International experience can be studied in order to achieve more positive results in this field.
-What other suggestions do you have as an amateur fisherman for the protection of water resources and their bioresources?
– I support the development of cultured fishing. This work should also be done with love for nature, because we are all a part of this nature. It is necessary to clean water basins and coastal areas, protect the rules for keeping small fish, create conditions for the fish population by following all the rules and legislation, and strictly eliminate the use of prohibited nets. We must take an uncompromising attitude against cases of fishing with fishing gear. Every representative of the society should be uncompromising against such situations, should show the necessary resistance, and should inform the relevant institutions about it. In addition, it is necessary to strictly control the correct timing of the population of fish and the correct observance of their fishing times and rules.
-How should water resources and biodiversity be protected in our liberated areas?
– I don’t have enough information about it from those areas. Currently, our state is working for the development of the place. There are conditions for the creation of fishing tourism in those areas, and I am sure that it will be effectively used in the future.
-How should every amateur fisherman act in the fight against poaching?
– As I mentioned, it is necessary to fight hard and seriously with the support of the state against such bad situations. For this, the fishermen and the society should cooperate and the necessary work should be done.