Fishing became very important in the Azov Sea for Ukraine in such conditions – State Agency of Fishing Agriculture

The Russian Federation seized 90% of fishery resources of Ukraine after the annexation of Crimea. Andrey Kravchenko, the vice-chairman of the State Agency of Fishing Agriculture of Ukraine, stated live on "Radio Krym.Realii".

"Fishing in the Black Sea ranged from 40 to 50 thousand tons before the annexation of Crimea, but with regard to recent events a part of fisheries left at the occupied territory. We lost about 90% of recoverable reserves in the Black Sea and also access to the resources, household, and vessels which left at the occupied territory," the official said.

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Fishing became very important in the Azov Sea for Ukraine in such conditions, the vice-chairman of the State Agency of Fishing Agriculture of Ukraine noted.

"Our business entities caught more than 37 thousand tons in the Azov Sea in 2018. It's pretty large quantity which partially maintains the food security of the country," Kravchenko concluded.

Reportedly, Russia occupied the Autonomous Republic of Crimea in 2014.

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine officially proclaimed February 20, 2014, as a day of a temporary start of the occupation of Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia.

The main international organizations, including the UN General Assembly, condemned actions of Russia, called the annexation and occupation of Crimea illegal. Sanctions have been imposed against the Russian Federation.

Related: G7 leaders ready to implement new anti-Russian sanctions

Arbitral tribunal at the Hague in May of 2018 ruled that the Russian Federation has to compensate a number of Ukranian companies for annexation of Crimea. 18 Ukrainian companies and one individual sued Russia.