Features of environmental crime in the field of aquatic biological resources and measures for its prevention

Introduction. The historical human concept of the inexhaustibility of natural resources, including aquatic biological resources, subsequently led to the depletion of aquaculture components. Currently, it can be stated that some of them have completely disappeared from the reservoirs of our state. In this regard, the state's policy in the field of protection of aquatic biological resources, its adequate response through administrative and criminal legislation to the situation in this area, and the development of measures to effectively prevent environmental offenses and crimes are of particular importance.

Purpose. Research of the current state and measures of effective counteraction to crime in the field of aquatic biological resources.

Materials and methods. The theoretical basis of the research was made up of scientific articles, statistical reports of government departmental structures, materials of judicial and investigative practices. The methodological basis is made up of commonly used scientific research methods, the application of which determines the choice of systemic, activity-based, functional and interdisciplinary approaches to the study of an urgent problem.

Results. Effective crime prevention in the field of aquatic biological resources involves the study of all its components. In particular, the determinants of environmental crimes are of particular interest. Thus, as a result of this study, it has been established that aquatic biological resources are being destroyed solely for selfish reasons, for the purpose of profit. Of particular importance is the study of the personal characteristics of persons who have committed such crimes. Having studied the materials of judicial practice, data from reports of law enforcement agencies, the authors came to the conclusion that the criminal acts in question are committed overwhelmingly by middle-aged men who do not have higher education and have low earnings.

Conclusions. The authors of the article have established that effective prevention of poaching for aquatic biological resources should begin first of all with educating citizens about their irreplaceability and limitations. It is also necessary to take measures to eliminate corruption in law enforcement agencies. Further, it is proposed to restrict the sale of prohibited fishing gear at the legislative level. In addition, it is necessary to establish control on the Internet over the dissemination of information that serves as a provocation for committing crimes in the field of fishing.

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