Note: This service (637) is identical to services 579 and 805 ("Endangered Species"). To create unique content, we will focus here on aquatic biodiversity, fish protection, and hydro project impacts.
Protection of endangered aquatic species (fish, crustaceans) is a growing area of Georgian environmental law. The Red List includes numerous aquatic inhabitants, such as Black Sea salmon and sturgeon family members. The construction of hydropower plants, dams, and sand-gravel quarries poses a direct threat to their habitat. Legislation obliges developers to install "fish passes" and maintain "ecological flow" to ensure fish migration. Legal services in this field include legal assessment of ichthyological studies, compliance with environmental permit conditions, and liability insurance in case of fish resource destruction.
What Does Aquatic Species Protection Service Cover?
Our experts assist in aquatic biodiversity protection issues:
- Fish Pass Design: Legal monitoring of the obligation to install fish passes during HPP construction.
- Ichthyological Survey: Surveying the presence of protected fish species in the project area and preparing a report.
- Damage Compensation: Disputes over calculating damage to fish resources caused by water pollution or riverbed alteration.
- Illegal Fishing: Defense against charges of poaching (fishing with electricity, explosives).
- Compensatory Measures: Managing the obligation to release fish fry (restocking).
- Aquaculture Permit: Permits for breeding Red List species (e.g., sturgeon) in artificial conditions.
Common Scenarios and Needs
HPP operators are often fined for malfunctioning fish passes, hindering fish spawning. Sand-gravel extractors violate the ban on working during the spawning season. Fishermen who inadvertently catch Red List fish (e.g., sturgeon) face criminal liability.
Georgian Legislation and Regulations
Regulations are based on the "Law on Red List" and the "Law on Aquaculture". Impact on water bodies is regulated by the EIA procedure.
The Process: How a Specialist Works
The lawyer and ichthyologist assess the project's impact on the aquatic ecosystem. A mitigation plan is prepared (e.g., stopping work during spawning). In case of poaching, the lawyer defends the client in court.
Why Legal.ge?
Aquatic biodiversity is a fragile and strictly protected area. Legal.ge gives you access to lawyers who understand the ecological aspects of hydro projects. Specialists on our platform will help you conduct activities without environmental damage. Protect the aquatic world with Legal.ge.
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