REUTERS
Deputy head of the State Fishery Agency noted that in such conditions, fishing in the Azov Sea remains important for Ukraine.
Following the illegal annexation of Crimea, Russia got hold of up to 90% of Ukraine's fishery resources in the Black Sea, according to a deputy chief of the State Fishery Agency Andriy Kravchenko.
Commenting to Crimea.Realities on fishing quotas Russia imposed in the region, Kravchenko said: "Before the Crimea annexation, the catch in the Black Sea was at about 40,000-50,000 tonnes, but in connection with the recent events, part of our fishing farms remained on the territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. We've lost about 90% of fishery resources in the Black Sea – our access to reserves as well as farms and vessels that remained in the annexed territory," the official said.
Deputy head of the State Fishery Agency noted that in such conditions, fishing in the Azov Sea remains important for Ukraine.
"In the Sea of Azov in 2018, our companies have already caught more than 37,000 tonnes - it is quite a large amount, which partially ensures food security of our state," concluded Kravchenko.
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International organizations recognized the occupation and annexation of Crimea as an illegal move by Russia and condemned the Kremlin's actions.
Western powers went on to introduce a range of economic sanctions against Russia, while Moscow systemically denies the occupation of the peninsula, calling the annexation move "restoration of historical justice."
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The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine officially declared February 20, 2014, the date of the beginning of the temporary occupation of Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia.
It was earlier reported that Russia began massively stopping foreign vessels heading to Ukrainian ports.