Omsk Lake to Be Leased for Commercial Fishing

Residents of Omsk Region have been asked to express their opinions on the possible lease of one of the region«s lakes for commercial fishing. The administration of Sherbakul district published a poll on its official VKontakte page.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of Omsk Region has received an application for leasing a water body located 2.3 km south of the workers« settlement of Sherbakul, which local residents call »Sukhoe« (Dry), for the purpose of organizing commercial fish farming on the site, the post states.

On maps, this lake has no name. It is located not far from the workers« settlement of Sherbakul, near Lake Bolshoy Ashchikul.

The district administration added that if the lake is leased, a commercial site will be designated there, after which recreational fishing will be banned. Currently, about 500 people have taken part in the poll, with the majority voting against. Opponents also voiced their opinions in the comments under the post. Apparently, the lake is popular among local residents as a recreation spot.

«Leave at least something for public use. Fishing is about the atmosphere of relaxation, not commerce. People use this lake,» wrote user Svetlana Ivina.

«Hello everyone. Leasing Lake Sukhoe does not mean improving it. At the same time, fishing there would be banned. Why this particular lake? Because there is something to catch. There is Lake Sherbakulskoye, why not lease it out? If this is industrial fish farming, then in principle, only a water body is needed, and they will stock it with fish. Why deprive residents of recreation?» commented Tatyana Papoyan.

There are also those who support the idea.

«I support the idea of leasing Lake Sukhoe for commercial fish farming. As of today, the water body is essentially ownerless: it is not stocked, not maintained, and is gradually degrading. A lease means responsibility, investment, care for the lake, and real benefits for the district: jobs, taxes, and development of the territory,» wrote user Ekaterina Black.

Residents also believe that the administration«s poll will not be seen by older anglers because they are not on social media.

«Hello! Many older anglers do not use social media. Maybe we should notify Rosokhotrybolovsoyuz (Russian Hunting and Fishing Union) and hold a meeting?» suggested a commenter.

The administration believes that social media still reaches a wider audience, and that the lake is of interest not only to anglers. Therefore, the poll should allow obtaining an objective opinion from residents on the need for this water body.