The Lepel Inter-district Inspectorate for the Protection of Fauna and Flora reminds you about
"What to do if you find poacher nets in a water body"
During fishing trips to remote lakes, it is quite common to encounter illegally set poacher nets, traps, and other prohibited fishing gear. How to act correctly in such a situation to avoid finding yourself in the role of a poacher.
To begin with, let's clarify what constitutes permitted tackle for amateur fishing, so as not to accidentally accuse honest fishermen of poaching. Everyone knows about fishing rods, bottom tackle, and spinning rods, but the Fishing Rules also permit the use of scoop nets, crayfish traps, and, more recently, even screen nets. If a found fishing gear does not fall into the above categories, and you are sure that you have encountered a truly poaching fishing tool, act according to the Fishing Rules of Belarus. Without removing the gear from the water, without touching it, if the prohibited fishing gear is found on the bank, report the find by calling the State Inspectorate's hotline: 8(017)39-00-000, 8(033)333-6-000 or the Lepel Inter-district Inspectorate for the Protection of Fauna and Flora at 8(02132)3-43-85 or 8(029)291-42-55. Keep in mind that inspectors may already be waiting for the owner of the found poacher gear at the location, and video surveillance may be in progress of your actions.
If the prohibited gear ends up in your hands, and you decide not to report the find to the State Inspectorate, there is a high probability that you may be convicted of poaching. While a spin fisherman who accidentally hooks a "tangled net" with a lure will not be bothered, a fisherman caught handling someone else's nets will be dealt with severely by the inspectors. This is understandable. By taking such actions, the fisherman crosses the line of the law themselves, becoming one with the poachers. Be prepared to pay for your foolishness. For being found in fishing grounds with prohibited fishing gear, you will face administrative responsibility under Part 3 of Article 16.25 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus, which entails a fine of 5 to 30 basic units. If you take possession of, for example, a poacher's net with a catch in it, then be prepared to face more serious penalties. Depending on the amount of damage caused, it can amount to hundreds of basic units. In cases of particularly large-scale damage, there is a high probability of being convicted under criminal law.