The Lepel Inter-district Inspectorate for the Protection of Fauna and Flora informs about restrictions and prohibitions on amateur fishing during the spawning period, as well as about the implementation of the SC "SPAWNING" campaign.

In the Vitebsk region, fishing for all types of fish has been restricted since April 10. Fish will be spawning, therefore, fishing restrictions will be in effect until June 8 inclusive.

In the Vitebsk region, fishing for all types of fish has been restricted since April 10. Fish will be spawning, therefore, fishing restrictions will be in effect until June 8 inclusive.

During the ban period, fishing is permitted, but with conditions. Each angler is allowed one fishing rod with one hook or one spinning rod equipped with an artificial lure with one single, double, or treble hook during daylight hours from the bank (without entering the water) or from ice, from artificial structures for which no restrictions or prohibitions on economic activities are established.

Anglers are permitted to use a landing net to lift fish caught by rod or spinning rod out of the water.

Engaging in amateur fishing with other gear or methods during this period constitutes a violation and is qualified under Part 1 of Article 16.25 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus, incurring a fine for citizens ranging from 10 to 30 base units.

In case of illegal fish removal during prohibition periods, environmental damage shall be compensated in triple the amount for each removed specimen, based on the tariffs established by the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus of April 11, 2022, No. 219.

If the damage amounts to 100 or more base units, criminal liability under Article 281 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus shall be incurred.

Commercial fishing is prohibited during these periods by the Rules.

During these same periods, the use of vessels by individuals and legal entities is also prohibited by the Rules. This violation of the Rules is qualified under Part 4 of the aforementioned Article of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus and incurs a fine for an individual up to 10 base units, and for a legal entity up to 50 base units. The use of vessels during prohibition periods is permitted only upon authorization from the district or city executive committee, in cases where their use is necessary for movement on a water body for economic, transport, sports, and tourism purposes.

During the spawning period, the State Inspectorate will conduct a special comprehensive event called "Spawning". All possible efforts will be made to ensure favourable conditions for fish populations for reproduction and continuous renewal.

During this period, all territorial units will strengthen control over water bodies and intensify interaction with other state bodies and organizations.

One of the most important tasks is to prevent violations of environmental legislation and to prevent poaching fishing gear from entering the country's reservoirs and watercourses. For this purpose, large-scale preventive work will be carried out.

Special attention will be paid to the storage and use of prohibited fishing gear. The storage of such gear entails administrative liability under Art. 16.26 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus, the sanction of which for an individual provides for a fine of up to 30 basic units with the confiscation of the object of the administrative offense.

However, a person who voluntarily surrenders prohibited fishing gear is exempted from administrative liability. The State Inspectorate urges citizens to abandon the use and storage of nets and net materials, as well as other prohibited fishing gear. Nets can be voluntarily surrendered at any territorial unit of the State Inspectorate.