After raids in lakes and lagoons – dozens of violations and a warning to vacationers

Preventive raids “Environmental conditions in water bodies” help reduce the negative impact on the environment. By complying with environmental requirements when navigating watercraft, protected bird nesting and feeding sites, fish spawning grounds, and water bodies are safeguarded from pollutants (fuel, oils, combustion products, etc.).

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A total of 71 raids were conducted, during which 132 self-propelled watercraft were inspected.

The most environmental condition violations for navigating watercraft in water bodies were found in the Kaunas Lagoon, Gražutė, Veisiejai, Anykščiai, and Asveja regional parks.

The most common violation recorded was due to navigating self-propelled watercraft without adhering to environmental conditions in water bodies located in protected areas. A total of 20 such violations were recorded.

On June 20, officers in the Kaunas Lagoon Regional Park, Kaunas Lagoon, and Asveja Regional Park, Asveja Lake, Molėtai district, recorded three cases where individuals were riding jet skis with internal combustion engines equipped with water flow pumps. Jet skiing is prohibited year-round on Asveja Lake, and in the Kaunas Lagoon from the start of the navigation season until June 20.

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What is important to know before navigating watercraft

Before navigating watercraft with internal combustion engines, it is important to find out where, when, and how it is allowed. Additionally, it is necessary to consider the engine power of the watercraft, the size of the water body, and whether the water body is in a protected area (you can check in the State Cadastre of Protected Areas).

The Environmental Protection Department’s prepared memorandums contain information about the main requirements for navigating various watercraft.

Responsibility

Persons who violate environmental conditions when navigating water bodies are held accountable under Article 267 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Lithuania:

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• Violation of environmental conditions for navigating watercraft in water bodies carries a fine from 150 to 300 euros.

• Navigating self-propelled watercraft in water bodies where it is prohibited carries a fine from 200 to 450 euros.

• Violation of environmental conditions for navigating watercraft in water bodies located in protected areas carries a fine from 300 to 600 euros.

• Navigating water bodies with self-propelled watercraft whose internal combustion engines have water flow pumps, when prohibited, carries a fine from 300 to 600 euros.

• Navigating self-propelled watercraft in water bodies located in protected areas, when prohibited, carries a fine from 450 to 850 euros.

• Navigating water bodies in protected areas with self-propelled watercraft whose internal combustion engines have water flow pumps, when prohibited, carries a fine from 600 to 1,150 euros.

• Navigating self-propelled watercraft with engine power exceeding 150 kW in water bodies, when prohibited, carries a fine from 750 to 1,500 euros.

• Administrative offenses provided for in parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 of this article, if committed repeatedly, carry a fine from 600 to 1,150 euros.

• Administrative offenses provided for in parts 5, 6, and 7 of this article, if committed repeatedly, carry a fine from 1,000 to 3,000 euros.

• For administrative offenses provided for in parts 8 and 9 of this article, confiscation of the self-propelled watercraft may be imposed.