On March 24, a traditional workshop was held at the visitor center of the reserve, dedicated to the upcoming opening of navigation in the waters of the Commander Islands from April 1.

Acting Director Evgeny Mamaev, head of the Russian Federal Security Service's unit Yaroslav Mammothov and state inspectors of the nature reserve discussed compliance with the rules of the border regime for residents of Nikolskoye and tourists, including when entering the internal and territorial waters, and working together to protect the environment.

All islands in the archipelago, with the exception of Bering, are located in the border zone. Thus, tourists wishing to make sea voyages to the world of whales, to Toporkov Island or Ary Kamen, must inform in advance about their plans in the  border unit  of FSS in the East Arctic Region in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. This can be done both directly and through the tourist department of the reserve. 

"The border unit  has long been a convenient algorithm for issuing annual passes to go out to sea for the employees of the Commander Islands Nature and Biosphere Reserve. We will continue to follow it. As for the guests of the reserve, they need to get permission for sea excursions. The application is considered up to 30 working days, so it is important to remember it and to warn us in advance," Yaroslav Mamothov said.

The protection of the environment is within the competence of the Russian Federal Security Service. In this regard, the parties reaffirmed the agreement to mutually inform about possible violations in the reserve and jointly stop them. "We are always happy to participate in all the activities and raids of the Commander Islands Nature Reserve to implement our common goals," added the head of the Russian Federal Security Service unit.  

The border service will remind about the rules of navigation for residents of the village of Nikolskoye on Bering Island at an open meeting on Friday, March 27. First, we will talk about the need to warn about going out to sea two hours before, as well as to report the time of return to land. "The most important thing is to preserve human life and health at sea, and then our control. In any case, these measures create a favorable environment, excluding violations near the state border of Russia," explained Yaroslav Mamothov.