219 ships inspected in Black Sea in first 10 months of 2026

Employees of the Black Sea Convention Management Division inspected 219 vessels between January and October 2026, identifying 40 administrative violations, the Department of Environmental Supervision reported.

According to the department, 40 illegally deployed entangling fishing nets were also recovered from the sea during the year.

“Of the violations identified, 13 involved pollution of the sea by vessels, an offense punishable by a GEL 100,000 fine and compensation for environmental damage. One case involved pollution of the sea with domestic solid waste from a vessel; six involved violations of fishing regulations; one involved violations of fishing regulations and licensing conditions; and 19 involved inaccurate entries in ship documents,” the department said.

The environmental damage caused by the violations exceeds GEL 35,000, while the total fines imposed on offenders amount to more than GEL 1 million.

The department also noted that incidents of marine pollution caused by oily water discharged from vessels have declined significantly in recent years.

“This is the result, on the one hand, of the effective work of the Black Sea Convention Management Division and, on the other, of increased financial penalties, which have had a deterrent effect,” the department said.